UNISON - the public service union
National Women’s Committee Annual Report 2017/18
|Introduction |3 |
|Action on resolutions of national women’s conference 2017 |4 |
|National women’s committee report |7 |
|Regional reports |23 |
|Reports from national women’s committee/conference delegates | |
| | |
|National delegate conference |41 |
|National Black members’ conference |42 |
|National disabled members’ conference |43 |
|National LGBT conference |44 |
|Community service group conference |44 |
|Higher Education conference |44 |
|Healthcare service group conference |45 |
|Energy service group conference |46 |
|Water, Environment and Transport service group conference |48 |
|Local government service group conference |49 |
|Police and justice service group conference |50 |
|TUC women’s conference |52 |
| | |
|Appendix 1 : |Membership of the national women’s committee 2017/18 |54 |
|Appendix 2 : |Constitution of the national women’s committee |55 |
|Appendix 3 : |Attendance at meetings of the national women’s committee |56 |
|Appendix 4 : |Glossary |57 |
|Appendix 5 : |Analysis of proportionality and fair representation at national women’s conference 2017 |59 |
| | | |
|Appendix 6 : |UNISON resources supporting women members |62 |
Introduction
A very warm welcome to national women's conference 2018. I very much hope that you will enjoy spending time in Liverpool and will make the most of the opportunity to meet sister activists and friends, and to be inspired by their stories over the next few days.
I was honoured to chair the committee over the past year, and have enjoyed seeing the women’s agenda at centre stage in UNISON – a union where almost 4 out of 5 members are now women.
For those who complacently believe that women’s equality has largely been achieved, the Westminster scandals that hit the headlines in November came as a timely wake-up call. We still have a great deal to accomplish both in the workplace and in society, and our union leads the way in so many areas. But it is important that we continue to support and develop our women activists to ensure that they take their proper place in our union, as leaders and campaigners – and the national women’s committee is committed to that agenda.
Just as we are committed to ensuring that women’s voices are heard and women’s rights are protected as the UK prepares to leave the EU. Many of our rights are underpinned by EU legislation, and many of our members are potentially at risk of losing their right to work here, which will have a disastrous impact on the women themselves and those of us (and our families) who rely on their support.
Our conference gives us the chance to voice those concerns, and to demand action. It brings together women from the public, private, community and voluntary sectors, and women representing the full diversity of our membership.
It also sets the work plan for the women's committee for the next 12 months. The hopes and challenges faced by women throughout the UK and internationally will be shared during our conference, through your contributions to the debate. We know that when we meet with policy makers and politicians your shared experiences provide us with the resolve we need to demand and to drive change for the better.
I hope you also take the time to network, to socialise and to have fun. It is important that we recognise that there are times when being a union rep is hard work, and to reward ourselves when we can – and to remind ourselves why we do it!
I wish you all a great conference, look forward to hearing the debate, and to continuing to work beside you in creating a better society for all women.
|Jenny Forbes-Reid |[pic] |
|Chair, national women’s committee | |
NATIONAL WOMEN'S COMMITTEE
ACTION ON CONFERENCE DECISIONS 2017
The work of the national women's committee is underpinned by UNISON's objectives and priorities:
UNISON’s Objectives
UNISON’s main priority for 2017 was to respond to the challenges posed by the constant threats to public services, job security and pay but also the effects brought about by the implementation of the Trade Union Act and the UK’s exit from the EU.
Our objectives are to:
• Enhance our capability to meet the recruiting, organisational and representational challenges posed by austerity measures including cuts, workforce reductions, reorganisations, attacks on facility time and privatisation. Ensuring the union is relevant to all members who provide public services – including those who work in the private sector – regardless of the economic sector in which they work.
• Protect and secure fair and equal pay, good conditions, high quality employment, and pensions for UNISON members, building confidence for industrial action when required. Fighting for and promoting equality and challenging all forms of discrimination, including racism and hate crime, supporting migrant workers, and promoting UNISON’s alternative to austerity.
• Develop our public service campaigns in support of quality public services, in defence of the NHS, and all public services, building our political influence, forging alliances with unions, appropriate campaigning and community groups to challenge the austerity programme, including challenging the attacks on the welfare state. To campaign for the election of governments in Westminster, and the devolved nations, which value public services and working people, rejecting the arguments of UKIP and other far-right parties.
• Ensure that the union’s structures including organisational, lay member, ICT infrastructure and internal management systems are efficient and effective to meet the changing needs of all sections of the union and its members.
The workplan also takes into consideration the decisions made at national women's conference each year. The committee does not work in isolation, but with the regional women’s groups and networks, other departments and committees in the union, and in partnership with organisations who share our aims.
This report summarises that work, and hopefully provides some inspiration for your campaigning, recruiting and organising work in 2018 and beyond.
There are many sources of information, including the UNISON website. The women’s pages can be found here: .uk/women. In addition the women’s Facebook page unisonwomen and Twitter account @womeninUNISON are used to share information about the campaigns we support, the groups we are working with and activities we are participating in. Please ‘like’ our page, follow us on Twitter and join in with our social media campaigning.
Women’s e-bulletin
In November 2016 we launched our women’s e-bulletin, which is distributed to all women activists listed on RMS. The bulletin focuses on issues directly relevant to women members.
We are often approached for stories about women’s lives – of their experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace, living on low pay, caring for elderly relatives, maternity discrimination etc – and this bulletin will give you the chance to have your say.
It will also include information on campaigns and events, and update you on progress on motions debated at this year’s women’s conference, as well as giving you and us the chance to share good practice and innovative ideas. If you have not received a copy of the bulletin you can opt in by emailing women@.uk.
We hope this will be a valuable additional resource in our recruitment and organising challenge.
We would also encourage you to become involved in the UNISON organising space. The organising space is a secure, safe online resource developed to support our activist and organising communities. It aims to support building relationships, sharing knowledge, learning and experiences. You can join here:
Information is also circulated to and through regional women’s networks; also to activists through the equality e-bulletin and e-focus. Articles on many of the issues raised have also appeared in the UNISON journals, on the UNISON main website and various social media.
Where motions called for lobbying they were referred to Labour Link, and via the Connect lobbying service used by UNISON, where appropriate. Regional women’s networks were also asked to engage in lobbying on specific issues and around events, as MPs respond to individual constituents as well as pressure groups.
UNISON is affiliated to a wide range of groups and where possible we have worked with them as well as local, regional and national community groups.
Finally, the women’s campaign guide is available as a download. This guide includes information on how to organise a campaign; the priority campaigns identified as a result of motions to national women’s conference; suggestions for action and information on partner organisations. This is updated annually following women’s conference.
.uk/content/uploads/2017/07/Campaign-Handbook-2017-18.pdf
|[pic] | |
| |UNISON women’s campaigning handbook |
| |Your essential guide to : |
| | |
| |How to organise a campaign |
| |Women and the cuts |
| |Workplace issues |
| |Pensions |
| |Welfare reform |
| |Women in society |
| |Women’s role in UNISON |
| |Women and politics |
| |Parents and carers |
| |Ending violence against women |
| |Women’s health |
| |Abortion rights |
| |International campaigns |
| |Getting involved |
| |Getting help from UNISON |
| | |
| | |
[pic]
Members of the national women’s committee, leading the way
November 2017
National women’s committee report
In 2017, the national women's committee agreed to trial smaller working groups to make progress on the motions from women’s conference. This work is reported in sections, as follows:
• Bargaining and negotiating
Equal Pay
Workplace issues
• Campaigning
Brexit
Abortion rights
Transport
• Ending violence against women and girls
• Increasing women’s participation
• International
Joint working
The committee also recognises that many of the motions to national women’s conference referred to joint working with other SOGs. Uniquely, the women's committee has representatives from all the other SOGs and the national young members' forum and we continue to work to improve those links and ensure wherever possible that we liaise with other involved groups.
Bargaining and negotiating
Motion 1 : Zero hours contracts - closing the loopholes
Highlighted the legislative loopholes in zero hours contracts which allow for the continued exploitation of workers. Called on the NWC to raise awareness; issue guidance on how to work with employers; lobby the government to close the loopholes.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To end the exploitation of workers on zero hours |The scourge of zero hours contracts with limited protection for staff remains a key campaigning |
|contracts. |issue for UNISON. They are particularly prevalent in the care sector, although members in most |
| |service groups are affected. |
| | |
| |UNISON has issued bargaining guidance, and has had some success with employers refusing to use |
| |contractors whose staff are employed on these contracts, as well as those who do not use them |
| |within their own workforce. |
| | |
| |Whilst recognising that for some people they are a way of balancing their working lives, |
| |guidance for agency workers, call centre staff, the Ethical Care Charter and Procurement Guide |
| |are all valuable resources for branches seeking to protect members on zero hours contracts. |
Motion 1 : Zero hours contracts - closing the loopholes (continued)
| | |
| |UNISON has lobbied for change and the Labour Party has committed to ending zero hours contracts |
| |when in power, whilst the government called for a review and the possibility of the right to |
| |request fixed hours, which would achieve little. |
Equal pay
Motion 6 : The wage penalty of motherhood
Detailed the findings of recent research into the gender pay gap after motherhood. Called on the NWC to work with the TUC and Labour Link to campaign for better support for working parents including paid leave; free childcare; greater workplace flexibility; better enforcement of pregnancy discrimination legislation; improved access to justice, including removal of ET fees and longer time limits.
Motion 7 : Pregnancy discrimination
Reported on institutionalised pregnancy discrimination reported by the EHRC. Called on the NWC to provide guidance on challenging pregnancy discrimination, including a code of good practice and training, raise awareness of pregnancy and maternity rights.
Motion 14 : Gender wage gap widens for women with children
Detailed the findings of the Institute of Fiscal Studies into the widening of the gender pay gap after childbirth. Called on the NWC to publicise the research findings; increase awareness of the double disadvantage for women in the gender pay gap and austerity measures; lobby and campaign for free, publicly funded and publicly provided high quality universal childcare.
Motion 15 : Equal pay and Black women
Drew attention to the high % of Black women working in low paid occupations, and those being paid under the minimum wage. Called on the NWC to work with the NBMC to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of low pay on Black women, including in regions; campaign to promote UNISON's ethical care charter.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To eradicate the gender pay gap, including for |UNISON has continued to campaign on the gender pay gap, and work with partner organisations in |
|Black women who experience double discrimination.|raising awareness of the impact of parenthood on women’s earnings. |
| | |
|Further to ensure that women’s rights are |The new gender pay reporting legislation, which requires employers with 250 or more employees to |
|protected during pregnancy; and that parenthood |publish statutory calculations every year showing how large the pay gap is between their male and |
|does not impact adversely on long term career and|female employees, came into force in April 2017. Employers have until April 2018 to provide the |
|earnings prospects. |information. |
Equal Pay (continued)
| | |
| |UNISON responded to the government consultation on this issue, and continues to raise concerns |
| |that without effective monitoring and enforcement, transparency alone would do little to close the|
| |gap. |
| | |
| |ACAS have published a number of new guides and factsheets, which you can download from their |
| |website |
| | |
| |There is also a UNISON guide Pregnancy - your rights at work, which is available to download from |
| |the website or to order from the communications catalogue. |
| | |
| |The recent EHRC report on pregnancy discrimination has highlighted the ongoing issue that women |
| |face when pregnant and on their return to work, and new ACAS guidance has been issued (November |
| |2017). |
| | |
| |The national and regional women's committee and networks also continue to promote the wider UNISON|
| |campaigns and resources including the ethical care charter and other guidance on closing the |
| |gender pay gap. |
Workplace issues
M23 : Sexual harassment is rife at work
Highlighted the findings from the TUC sexual harassment report Just a Bit of Banter. Called on the NWC to support the campaign and raise awareness of the endemic nature of sexual harassment; work with partners to develop further guidance that encourages and supports women to challenge inappropriate behaviour; raise awareness within UNISON and publicise our successes.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|Zero tolerance of sexual harassment and greater |Towards the end of 2017 the media began to report on sexual harassment and abuse of women at |
|understanding of what is inappropriate behaviour.|Westminster and in the TV and film industry. This brought the issue of sexual harassment to the |
| |public's attention, led to many high-profile women speaking out, and women speaking out about |
| |their own experiences. |
| | |
| |This is an issue which has been covered in UNISON's own guidance on bullying and harassment for |
| |many years, with training provided for our activists and members. |
M23 : Sexual harassment is rife at work (continued)
| | |
| |At national delegate conference in June 2017 the women's committee hosted a fringe meeting on |
| |sexual harassment, and invited the TUC women's officer to speak on the report report - Just a Bit |
| |of Banter. |
| | |
| |Regional women's committees and forums were encouraged to circulate the TUC report and raise |
| |awareness that this is an ongoing issue; to share best practice and to encourage branches to |
| |negotiate workplace policies where these did not already exist. |
| | |
| |UNISON will also be promoting and engaging with a new EHRC project seeking information from women |
| |on their experiences, and looking at what policies employers have in place to deal with sexual |
| |harassment in the workplace. |
Motion 25 : Working with dementia
Reported statistics on the increasing number of people living with dementia and the impact on women in particular - both those directly affected and caring for those with the disease. Called on the NWC to work with other departments to issue guidance to branches on supporting members with a diagnosis of dementia, and those acting as carers; work with the Alzheimer's Society; continue to campaign for improved caring leave, adjustment leave and flexible working rights; campaign for easier access to welfare and benefits.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To ensure that members working with dementia can |There is growing awareness of the need for workplace policies both for our members working or |
|continue to work with support for as long as they|coming into contact with people with dementia, and potentially for members who may themselves be |
|wish; and that carers are supported in the |in the early stages of dementia and how they can be supported to continue to work safely as long |
|workplace. |as they choose to do so. |
| | |
| |There is aready training offered through UNISON's Learning and Organising Services, and UNISON is |
| |working with other organisations including Dementia Friends, who provide free advice and |
| |resources, to ensure that we are a dementia-friendly union. |
Motion 27 : Dress code inquiry
Noted that the government is holding an inquiry into workplace dress codes, and that there is already some protection under the Equality Act. Called on the NWC to give evidence and testimony to the inquiry; encourage members to engage with the inquiry; encourage women activists to raise this issue with their employers and negotiate non-discriminatory guidance.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To ensure that women are not unfairly penalised |The government did not implement the inquiry recommendations, but have charged ACAS and the Health|
|and that employers are unable to make |and Safety Executive with producing new guidelines. These were expected in summer 2017 but have |
|unreasonable demands in respect of employees’ |not materialised at the time of writing this report. |
|dress and style. | |
| |It is recognised in UNISON that this is a cross-equality issue and the women's, Black members and |
| |LGBT groups will liaise on futher advice once the official guidance is issued. |
Emergency Motion 3 : A career in the NHS - still an option for women?
Reported the drop in UCAS admissions for nursing, following the removal of the bursary, and the certain drop in numbers in the sector due to debts which will be accrued during training. Called on the NWC to work with the healthcare service group to support the campaign against the removal of the bursary and introduction of fees; highlight the disproportionate impact on women; support the call for salaries or a living bursary across the UK.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|Reinstatement of the withdrawn bursary payments. |The campaign to reinstate nursing bursaries has been led by the health service group, and |
| |supported by the national and regional women's committees and networks. |
Campaigning
| |[pic] |[pic] |
| | | |
| | |Dave Prentis, UNISON general |
| | |secretary with WASPI campaigners |
| | |at the House of Commons |
Composite A : Pensions (Motion selected for National Delegate Conference and carried)
Detailed the issues facing the WASPI (Women Against State Pensions Inequality) women and the need for all women to be aware of their pension entitlements - both occupational and state. Called on the NWC to continue to campaign with WASPI - working with Labour Link and all MPs, develop materials and briefings; campaign against ageism and barriers to older women's employment; continue to campaign for fair state pensions for women - including future generations; campaign for a universal basic state pension; campaign for equalisation of the state pension age at 60.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To secure fair transitional arrangements for |The UNISON Women and Pensions guide was updated in November 2017. |
|women within the relevant WASPI age group. | |
| |UNISON has continued to support the WASPI campaign through practical measures such as providing |
|To secure fair occupational and state pensions |print and meeting facilities; inviting speakers to national, regional events; holding fringe |
|for all members. |meetings at NDC, service group conferences and TUC women's conference, and motions to both TUC |
| |women's conference and Labour Party women's conference. |
| | |
| |Women members within the WASPI age demographic were emailed where an address was held, |
| |encouraging them to submit letters of complaint (via the WASPI website) to the Pensions |
| |Ombudsman. Information has also been widely published in journals, on the website and through |
| |women's networks. |
| | |
| |UNISON has also organised a briefing in parliament, and supported the WASPI lobby in 2017, |
| |attended by the general secretary. Work will continue on a legal strategy and further |
| |campaigning and lobbying action. |
| | |
| |UNISON also remains committed to action on protecting occupational pensions for members, and |
| |securing a fair state pension, whilst challenging the government's constant attacks - including |
| |the ever-increasing state pension age. |
| | |
Motion 8 : Women and the cuts - strategies for local campaigning
Highlighted the impact of austerity measures on women. Called on the NWC to produce additional resources - campaign flowcharts, women specific resources, contact lists, dos and don'ts of campaigning; lead on a particular campaign identified from NW conference; disseminate information for the campaign during women's history month (March); disseminate information on research into women and the cuts.
Motion 8 : Women and the cuts - strategies for local campaigning (continued)
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To raise awareness of the impact of government |The women's campaign guide has been updated. The political lobbying/challenging austerity|
|cuts on women’s lives, to enable them to make |measures and cuts training provided by LAOS had been promoted to regions, and resources |
|informed decisions on action to change that |updated. |
|situation. | |
| |The NWC reported to the service group liaison committee and information has been shared |
| |with regional women's committees and networks on campaigns of particular relevance to our |
| |women members, any new resources produced and information from surveys and research |
| |projects. |
| | |
| |The Scrap the Cap pay campaign has been a priority in UNISON for the latter half of 2017 |
|[pic] |and focuses on the impact of public sector pay cuts on our members and they need for a |
| |decent pay rise. The government has committed to removing the cap for certain public |
| |sector workers in 2018, but not yet for the majority of UNISON members. The campaign work|
| |therefore continues. |
Motion 10 : Where next with the housing crisis for women
Highlighted the problems faced particularly by women in the private rented sector. Called on the NWC to campaign for increased social housing and an end to right to buy, and acceptable standards of housing including in the private sector; promote the work of There For You and branch welfare officers; work with the other SOGs and NYMF in raising awareness and producing materials.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|Decent social housing for women. |The NWC has liaised with the policy department and service group leads on housing issues, |
| |and has shared relevant information through the women's networks. |
| | |
| |The NWC amendment to the Housing motion at NDC, which focused on the particular issues |
| |facing women in respect of the housing crisis, was accepted and the amended motion was |
| |carried. |
| | |
| |The committee continues to promote the work of There For You through social media and |
| |involving the charity in national and regional women's events. |
Motion 22 : The Trade Union Act and the government's austerity cuts and their impact on disabled women
Reported on the UN's condemnation of the government's welfare reform and the impact on disadvantaged and marginalised groups, specifically disabled women and low income families. Further expresses concern about the impact of the TU Act and lack of facility time on disabled women's ability to undertake union duties, to campaign to improve wellbeing and reduce sickness absence. Called on the NWC to campaign to protect the Equality Act, research into disabled women's experiences; promote activism within disabled and women members' networks.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To ensure that government plans for welfare |The NWC contributed to UNISON's response and briefings on the Trade Union Act to ensure |
|reform are fair. |that women's issues were central to UNISON's policy, including the issues of multiple |
| |discrimination. Other self organised groups also contributed to ensure that all equality |
|To ensure that the impact of the TUC Act does not|strands were represented. |
|further marginalise disabled people. | |
| |The policy department lead on welfare reform and universal credit, and liaise with the |
|To ensure that sickness absence and wellbeing |NWC/officers on relevant issues. |
|polices do not discriminate against disabled | |
|people. |The issue of the two-child tax credit limit has caused outrage, particularly the so-called|
| |"rape clause", where the limit is extended if a child is born as a result of rape, and the|
|[pic] |mother is prepared to declare that. A briefing for MPs was held in Portcullis House on 4 |
| |December 2017 (pictured), with speakers invited from Women's Aid and the Child Poverty |
| |Action Group. The meeting was well attended, with a commitment given from UNISON and |
| |those present to challenge the legislation and fight against forcing more families into |
| |poverty. |
M26 : Why sickle cell matters
Detailed the impact of sickle cell disease on those with the condition and their families. Called on the NWC to include a section in the UNISON guide to maternity rights (in respect of the impact during pregnancy and due to caring responsibilities); develop resources for use in branches and regions to raise awareness and provide support - including for RWCs to use during women's history month.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|Raise awareness of the impact of sickle cell |The women's health guide was updated, and after joint committee liaison the national Black|
|disease on those with the condition and their |members' committee have undertaken to produce a bagaining factsheet on sickle cell |
|families. |disease. |
Motion 32 : The state of girls rights in the UK
Highlighted findings from the Plan UK study into girls' rights in the UK, and the government's failing of girls and young women. Called on the NWC to lobby policy makers to listen to girls and young women; challenge the root causes of gender inequality; seek to make the UN Sustainable Development Goals relevant to the UK.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To ensure that young women's voices are heard in |Plan UK are considering a joint programme of work to be undertaken with UNISON. |
|decision making which affects their lives. | |
| |In the meantime they will be running a seminar at women's conference 2017 on their work, and |
| |encouraging delegates to consider how they can support the programmes both in the UK and abroad.|
Brexit
Motion 17 : Young women must not suffer under Brexit
Raised concerns that young women will suffer a "race to the bottom" as a result of increased privatisation and trade deals under Brexit. Called for the NWC to ensure that young women's voices are heard in Brexit negotiations.
Motion 18 : Brexit - the women's voice
Highlighted the need for women's voices to be heard and their issues to be taken into account in post-Brexit negotiations; Identified the need to ensure that women's rights are protected. Called on the NWC to work with regions and Labour Link to engage women in the Brexit discussions; develop links with MEPs and encourage women to be involved in consultations; make Brexit negotiations relevant to women members; encourage the NEC to engage in the Fawcett Society #FaceHerFuture campaign.
Motion 19 - Impact of EU exit and women
Highlighted the potential implications for women's rights post-Brexit. Called on the NWC to work with the NEC to assess the potential impact; press for equality impact assessments on the consequences of exiting the EU; press the government on implementing the outstanding CEDAW recommendations; press the EHRC and other enforcement bodies to research protections of women's rights; work with the TUC and Women's Councils of the Isles on a campaign to protect women's rights.
Motion 21 : Protecting the rights of EU women working in social care
Reported on the huge number of EU women now working in social care and the implications of those women being unable to continue to work in the sector. Called on the NWC to work with the NEC to produce materials in other languages, and make them available on line; investigate setting up an in-house translation service to assist migrant worker members; campaign against the minimum salary requirement for remaining in the UK; work with other unions.
Brexit (continued)
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To ensure that workers’ and women’s rights are |The NW conference decisions and actions were referred to the UNISON group of Exiting the EU, to |
|protected post-Brexit. |be taken on board in all discussions, lobbying, campaigning, briefings and policy documents. |
| | |
| |Information from partner organisations was shared through the women's networks and social media,|
| |together with all relevant information from the UNISON group. |
ABORTION RIGHTS
Motion 11 : Abortion rights in Northern Ireland
Highlighted that women in Northern Ireland have no access to safe and legal abortion, unlike the rest of the UK. Called on the NWC to campaign for equal access for women in Northern Ireland; work with Alliance for Choice and other campaign groups to improve provision of information and advice.
Motion 12 : Abortion rights 50 years since the 1967 Act
Noted that the Abortion Act will be 50 years old in 2017 and noted that the Act does not extend to Northern Ireland. Called on the NWC to publicise the anniversary events; encourage branches and regions to hold and support events; promote the anniversary and raise the profile of the Abortion Rights campaign.
Emergency Motion 7 : The election of Donald Trump and its implication for women's rights on a global scale
Reported on actions already taken by the Trump administration and future proposals with implications for women's rights, including their sexual and reproductive rights. Called on the NWC to work with the NEC and others to work to minimise the impact of the Global Gag (women's abortion rights) and to campaign against other attacks on women's rights by Trump and his administration.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|Liberalisation of abortion rights across the UK. |Regional women's committee were encouraged to support local events and to lobby MPs to defend |
| |abortion rights and to support the extension of the Abortion Act to Northern Ireland. |
| | |
| |In response to extensive lobbying, the UK government announced in June that women from Northern |
|End the global gag. |Ireland would be able to access free abortion services in England from the end of 2017. |
Abortion rights (continued)
| |They are also considering ceating buffer zones around clinics providing abortion services to |
| |prevent anti-choice protestors harassing women attending the clinics and the staff working here.|
| |UNISON will contribute to the discussions, and will continue to work with Abortion Rights and |
| |BPAS on this campaign. |
Transport
Motion 29 : Safe travel
Referred to suggestions that segregated carriages should be introduced, and to cuts in rail funding/privatisation leading to cuts in staffing, putting passenger safety at risk. Called on the NWC to survey members on the issue, and to campaign against cuts in staffing levels.
Motion 30 : Driver only trains deny accessible support for disabled women
Highlighted the additional difficulties disabled women face in accessing train travel and travelling in safety. Called on the NWC to work with a range of organisations to campaign for safe and accessible train and tube travel for disabled women.
Motion 31 : Bus services in crisis
Highlighted the value of bus services, particularly to women travellers, and the lack of funding for reliable services. Called on the NWC to campaign for decent and properly funded bus services.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|Safe, affordable and accessible transport. |The NWC carried out a survey of women members asking a range of questions – do you feel safe on|
| |public transport, at what times do you feel at risk, is a more frequent service needed, does a |
| |removal of services make you feel more vulnerable etc. The results wil be used to inform future|
| |campaigning work, including lobbying for change in transport policy and supporting other unions |
| |to defend members' jobs. |
| | |
| |There was neglibible support for the suggestion that there should be segregated carriages for |
| |women, with the majority of respondees calling instead for increased visibility and availabiity |
| |of staff, better lighting and security on public transport and at access points. |
| | |
| |Regional women's committees and forums were encouraged to become involved in local transport |
| |initiatives, including those to protect local bus services. |
Transport (continued)
| |A motion was also submitted to the Water, Environment and |
| |Transport conference, calling for support for the safe transport measures proposed. UNISON is |
| |affiliated to the Better Transport campaign. |
Ending violence against women and girls
Motion 9 : Cuts to domestic abuse support services
Reported on the cuts to funding for women's domestic abuse services and the numbers turned away each day from refuges and support. Called on the NWC to raise awareness of the impact of the cuts; continue to challenge cuts; encourage RWCs to engage with local services; lobby the government to provide a dedicated funding stream for domestic abuse support services.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|A dedicated funding stream for domestic abuse |The women's campaign guide has been updated, along with the UNISON guide on domestic |
|support services. |violence, including the model policy. |
| | |
| |All regions have been encouraged to work to ensure that all employers have adopted a |
| |workplace policy on domestic abuse, and to provide training for branches on the issues. |
| | |
| |Regions were also encouraged to become involved in campaigning around local cuts to |
| |services. Nationally, we continue to work with Women's Aid and Refuge, and UNISON is part |
|[pic] |of the End Violence Against Women Coalition. |
| | |
| |In November, UNISON hosted a White Ribbon event at the Houses of Parliament, calling for men|
| |to become White Ribbon champions in their workplaces, speaking out against domestic violence|
| |in support of women. |
| | |
Motion 24 : Overexposed and underprepared
Highlighted the situation faced by girls and young women in schools, reported by EVAW in All day, every day, with sexual harassment, assault and even rape commonplace. Called on the NWC to campaign for the implementation of the 38 recommendations from the report; lobby for compulsory SRE; support the work of Culture Reframed (anti-pornography campaign group).
Emergency motion 6 : Our girls need high quality inclusive sex and relationship education
Called on the NWC to lobby for support for amendments to the Children and Social Work Bill on compulsory sex and relationship education in schools.
Ending violence against women and girls (continued)
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To create zero tolerance for sexual harassment |The national women's officer and LGBT officer represented UNISON in discussions with a wide range |
|and violence; and for compulsory SRE to be taught|of organisations representing young people, including teaching unions, prior to the government's |
|in all schools. |decision that sex and relationship education should be compulsory in schools. However, there is |
| |still much to do to ensure that the teaching offered is inclusive and comprehensive, and UNISON |
| |will continue to engage with the group and to lobby and campaign to meet those objectives. |
Motion 28 : Modern slavery - closer than you think
Highlighted the exploitation of women and children trafficked into prostitution and domestic servitude, and the signs of such abuse. Called on the NWC to work with LAOS on developing training for members in identifying the signs of trafficked people and what to do; lobby to have this issue on the political agenda; affiliate to anti-slavery group(s)
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|End human trafficking, raise awareness of the |The motion was referred to the international department and committee who lead on this issue. |
|signs with UNISON members. |UNISON is already affiliated to Anti-Slavery International. |
Motion 36 : Standing together to say no place for hate
Reported on the increase in hate crime, the inconsistency in sentencing guidelines and welcomed the introduction of misogyny in Nottinghamshire Police. Called on the NWC to raise awareness of the seriousness of hate incidents and encourage women to report them to the police and via third party reporting; publicise the work in Nottinghamshire Police, and encourage similar action by other forces; publicise National Hate Crime Awareness Week in October; campaign for levelling up of hate crime protection and adequate funding of hate crime services; promote UNISON's materials on standing together and tackling prejudice.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|Misogyny and violence against women treated |A new UNISON guidance document Tackling hate crime and hate incidents: a workplace issue, was |
|equally with other forms of hate crime. |published in national hate crime awareness week in October 2017. This guidance includes a model |
| |workplace policy and is accompanied by an activists training course which is being rolled out to |
| |regions. |
| | |
Motion 36 : Standing together to say no place for hate (continued)
| |A seminar will be taking place at national women’s conference 2018. |
| | |
| |Regional women’s committees and networks have been encouraged to engage with local police forces |
| |to urge them to view misogyny as a hate crime and act appropriately. |
Composite B : Istanbul Convention
Reported on the details of the Istanbul Convention - a Council of Europe convention on ending violence against women and girls. Noted that the UK government has signed but not ratified the convention. Called on the NWC to lobby the government for full ratification of the convention.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|UK government ratification of the Istanbul |UNISON continues to campaign with partner organisations for the full ratification of the |
|Convention |Convention. A briefing document was circulated to NWC representatives in November 2017, to be |
| |shared with regional women’s committees and networks. |
| | |
| |Campaign/lobby to get the UK to ratify the Convention in full. |
| | |
| |Consider setting up a petition through the government website (if not already in existence). |
| | |
| |Link with appropriate campaigning organisations. |
Increasing women’s involvement
Motion 13 : Proportionality
Noted that despite rule book commitments to proportionality, women remain under-represented in senior posts. Also that NEC seats are still reserved for men and women, rather than the men's seats being designated "general" and therefore open to all. Called on the NWC to lead on work to address these issues, including raising awareness of the new toolkit, training, rule changes and other measures.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To ensure that UNISON is truly proportionate and |The Getting the balance right toolkit on promoting proporationality in UNISON has been widely |
|that women activists are supported to become |distributed, including through the senior management group in UNISON. Regional women’s committees|
|involved at all levels in the union. |and networks have been asked to promote the proportionality guide within their regions, including|
| |encouraging its use in the branch assessment process. |
| | |
Motion 13 : Proportionality (continued)
| | |
| |The NWC have also submitted a motion to women’s conference calling for the re-designation of men’s|
| |seats on the NEC as general seats, and therefore open to both men and women. This is supported by|
| |the LGBT committee. The NWC have also asked that the NEC consider a rule change to NDC 2018 |
| |calling for the redesignation of seats in line with this policy. |
Motion 16 : Lack of Black women's participation in UNISON
Highlighted the lack of Black women activists, despite Black workers being among those most likely to join a union, and the most likely to face discrimination in the workplace. Called on the NWC to work with the other SOGs to empower women to become active in the union and work with branches to actively encourage the inclusion of Black women.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To increase activism amongst Black women members.|The NWC continue to work with the NBMC, through the liaison representatives between the |
| |committees and through officer level discussions, to encourage greater participation of |
| |Black women in women’s self organisation and in the union generally. |
Motion 20 : Increasing diversity at women's conference
Highlighted that many (the majority) of branches do not send delegates to women's conference, and that some groups are potentially under-represented. Called on the NWC to conduct a survey of women activists and networks to establish why more women do not attend; work with other SOGs to identify barriers to attendance; develop an action plan.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|That all branches are represented at national |The annual UNISON equality survey and previous research into women’s activism and |
|women’s conference. |attendance at NDC has identified the barriers to women’s attendance at conference and |
| |involvement as UNISON activists. |
| | |
| |The Getting the Balance Right Toolkit and Setting Up a Branch Women’s Group toolkit for |
| |change and action guides contain recommendations and advice for encouraging greater |
| |involvement by all women. |
| | |
| |The NWC have also submitted a motion to conference calling for the branch women’s officer |
| |to be a rule book post. |
International
Motion 33 : International Day of the Girl Child
Noted that the UN had declared October 11th as International Day of the Girl Child. Called on the NWC to work to raise awareness of the day; be part of the 2018 celebrations in London; consider inviting a speaker to women's conference 2018.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|UK celebration of the International Day of the |Regional women’s committees and networks were encouraged to organise and/or participate in|
|Girl Child |locally organised events to mark the day. Details are included in the regional reports. |
Emergency motion 2 : Child marriage is child labour
(This motion was selected as one of the women’s conference motions to NDC, and carried).
Highlighted the ILOs refusal to count underage girls who are illegally married in the child labour statistics, despite their situation meeting all the criteria for the worst kinds of child labour. Called on the NWC to work with the NEC and TUC to campaign for the inclusion of these girls and for appropriate action to be taken to end this exploitation.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|ILO recognition of child marriage as child labour|Following this motion being successfully carried at NDC 2017, the international department|
|as a first step to eradicating both. |has led on UNISON’s involvement in pressuring the ILO to acknowledge child marriage as |
| |child labour, and to take action accordingly. |
| | |
| |This has included continuing to work with Aids Free World, including inviting a guest |
| |speaker to NDC; working with other trade unions in the UK; lobbying the ETUC and TUC for |
| |support. |
Emergency motion 5 : Dunkirk refugee women's centre
Reported on the destruction of the Dunkirk refugee women's centre. Called on the NWC to encourage all regions to support the centre, donate if possible and encourage volunteers to help.
|AIM |UPDATE |
| | |
|To support the Dunkirk refugee women’s centre |Many refugees have now been moved to other temporary accommodation and centres, however |
| |support is still desperately needed and regions have been encouraged to offer that support|
| |however possible. Details are contained in the regional reports. |
| | |
| |A collection has been organised for women’s conference 2018, and details will be sent out |
| |in the conference packs for delegates and visitors. |
REGIONAL REPORTS
Eastern
Our 2017 RWC year started well in March with a well attended and stimulating policy weekend in Suffolk. We took the opportunity to reflect on women’s campaigning initiatives, our previous successes and then focused on developing our work plan for 2017. We also had sessions on maternity rights (and understanding the complex timeline issues that pregnant women face), considering ways that branches could better support pregnant women through their maternity leave and requests for flexible working when returning to work. We followed that with a workshop on low pay when we focused on ideas for increasing low paid women’s activism and identifying barriers to their engagement.
The continuing need for self organisation for women and why feminism is an integral part of our self organisation was also discussed, particularly as we had struggled during the year to gain the approval/acceptance of our Finance Development and Organising Committee (FDO). They initially felt that including feminism in our RWC constitution was inappropriate. We clarified for FDO that we believe feminism to be a range of political movements, ideologies, and social movements that share a common goal: to define, establish and achieve equal political, economic, personal and social rights for women. This includes seeking to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment. Following meetings, our amended constitution is now approved and we hope that other regional women’s committees will include feminism in their constitution in the future.
During the year, we also submitted a motion to our regional council entitled ‘Sexual harassment is rife at work’ after reading the TUC and Everyday Sexism report ‘Still just a bit of banter’. The motion was successfully passed following lots of debate within the meeting. We plan to submit two further motions to regional council in early 2018 (encouraging low paid women’s activism and proportionality).
Following on from last year’s success, we have again successfully applied for funding for a one day women’s conference to bring together branch women’s officers, women activists and stewards, to encourage women’s increased activism and participation in UNISON and promote attendance at national women’s conference; support self-organisation, proportionality and fair representation. This event was held on 28th November in Cambridge.
We are pleased that the one women-only course (assertiveness) on the regional core education programme recruited well, was successful and very well received by those women who attended.
In August 2017 we were pleased to see the new ‘summer school’ education event where courses were facilitated on understanding domestic abuse; understanding the equality act 2010 and a women’s health and safety course.
Our budget for RWC activities has not been increased in 2017, despite our lodging an appeal at our standstill budget allocation. As a consequence we have had to change our meeting venue to the regional office, which is less than ideal. We have however, reached the end of the financial year with no overspend.
Outside of UNISON activism, members of the RWC have been actively involved in supporting regional Pride events. And with Essex Feminist Collective (EFC) raising awareness on prostitution and the Nordic Model (which is UNISON policy).
We are also aware of the many WASPI campaign groups within the region and are pleased to see many of our UNISON branches supporting the campaign.
Online and face to face campaigning and lobbying has continued, with our FaceBook and Twitter increasing in likes and followers.
We hope for a more active 2018.
East Midlands
The regional women’s committee planned an event for International Women’s Day highlighting the hidden work that women achieved in the twentieth century. There are lots of stories especially around the wars of women doing exceptional espionage work that has not been recognised, along with women pioneers in science who have not had the same recognition as their male counterparts. The event unfortunately never got off the ground but we are hopeful for 2018.
There were unfortunately a number of issues with attendance at meetings, due to a new system of SOG and equality meetings in the region. The committee discussed the national women’s committee workplan and how this could be actioned in the branches.
They also agreed that ‘hate crime’ would be their focus at the AGM, and a hate crime event and training day was organised in the region on 16 October. This event was very well attended and all the feedback was very positive. Consideration is also being given to the production of a resource about keeping safe online.
We had a really good turnout to our AGM this year and we had lots of new faces which was lovely. This is the only meeting a year that we meet independently from the other SOGs and so we needed to make it count and we did. It was lovely to see the enthusiasm in the room and we managed to elect someone into every seat available on other regional and national committees which has not happened in a long time.
We talked about increasing women's participation at conference and within the wider union.
We looked at a possible future work programme and how this could be managed in the limited time available. We decided to raise the issue of the menopause and managing its symptoms in the workplace within our branches, and to see if we could work with employers to agree policies on managing menopause in the workplace. We also looked at asking branches to mark the introduction of the Abortion Act 50 years ago and to condemn the stigma that still exists around a woman's right to choose. We also agreed to produce a leaflet in early 2018 highlighting the need for internet safety and ways we can all keep safe online. We agreed to fund the leaflet and also materials for branches for managing the menopause and abortion rights.
Greater London
The regional women’s committee usually meets four times a year however the meeting was cancelled in April 2017 due to unforeseen circumstances. The 2017 AGM went ahead on 12 October 2017. All key committee positions were elected to and the women continue to take an active role more widely in the region, being nominated to seats on the regional council, regional committee and the various subcommittees.
On 10 March 2017 the committee organised the third annual training and networking event aimed at elected branch officers who are women. The event was held at UNISON centre. Workshops and presentations included: how to set up a branch self-organised group; recruitment; campaigning around women’s issues in the workplace; pregnancy and maternity rights; and writing motions.
Approximately 45 women attended on the day and all service groups were represented. The training was followed by evening drinks in celebration of International Women’s Day (which takes place on 8 March each year). The whole day received excellent feedback. It is proposed that the event be run again on 10 March 2018 to coincide with International Women’s Day as in previous years.
As in previous years, the committee is continuing to build international links through sponsorship of a project run by the Nicaraguan Community Movement. A further sponsorship of £1000 was agreed in December 2016. The committee has recently agreed emergency support to the area covered by the project after damage to houses and other buildings following recent tropical storms and hurricanes. At the time of writing this is awaiting regional approval.
Northern
As with every previous year the women’s network has been busy, organised and active. With a general election announced the network was out, proactively taking part in the campaign in their own time supporting local labour candidates in the election. One key candidate was northern Regional Organiser Mike Hill who we are delighted is now an MP for Hartlepool. Sadly however our own efforts were not enough and though the northern region held a large Labour majority it appeared not everyone around the country agreed and so we awoke on the morning of 9 June seeing the continuation of a Conservative government, intent on watering down and undermining equality and human rights legislation via the Brexit negotiations and a continuation of the damming austerity which is seeing the massive influx in the use of food banks and our own members being poorer than they’ve ever known.
Starting the year off, the regional women’s network attended Newcastle Central station on 3 January supporting the day of action against rail privatisation.
February saw us host our AGM with the election of a new vice chair, reaffirming our commitment to developing women into leadership roles through a key succession plan. We identified a new delegate to attend national women’s committee to replace Shirley Scott whose tenure had come to an end. The AGM was particularly well attended with excellent representation from a range of sectors and other self organised groups.
Following our AGM we attended a march and rally in Newcastle city centre for the NHS.
National women’s conference came next where, as always, the region engaged in many different debates.
A GPF bid was submitted to support a small delegation of UNISON WASPI women to attend the lobby of parliament on 8 March which coincided with international women’s day and budget day. We were successful in our bid and eight women attended and gained a lot from the experience, and have since become proactive in the campaign.
[pic]
The WASPI campaign has made significant progress in the northern region with many branches now linking with the women’s network chair and the local WASPI coordinator, and are holding information events in branches.
Later in March we hosted a ‘misogyny as a hate crime’ event and were joined by the chief executive of Nottingham women’s centre who spoke to us about how, through their work, Nottingham police force have taken steps to identify misogyny as a hate crime. This work continues to be an area we progress in the northern region.
In April we were joined by a representative of a local charity, Samosa Sisters, which supports asylum seekers and refugees. Each year the network identifies a local charity which we support and so in 2017 Samosa Sisters were this charity.
The network continues to review and develop our childcare manifesto, the women’s manifesto and the importance of women in the Brexit talks. In addition we are developing a template stand alone sexual harassment policy which can be shared with branches.
Throughout the year the network has supported a number of political events including local marches and rallies for the NHS and public services, and the Durham Miners Gala.
Our policy weekend as always was held in September with the theme of the many masks women wear, with agenda items including the Henry VIII clause - highlighting the concern women have of the impact this could have on women; the Pay Up Now campaign; recruiting and organising; and developing motions for national women’s conference.
We continue to work closely with women’s organisations across the region and following an invitation to speak at our policy weekend, My Sister’s Place has once again asked us to work with them on a joint project.
The network is actively involved in the Pay Up Now campaign with activists hosting workplace events which in some branches have been extremely imaginative including fancy dress and the use of many props!
We continue to work with and develop branch women’s officers and increase participation within branches.
In November as always we will be supporting Reclaim the Night in Newcastle city centre.
The network has also continued in its charitable work to support wider organisations including taking part in the memory walk in support of dementia awareness, and the annual sleep out for Depaul to raise awareness of homelessness.
Members of the women’s network actively promote the equality agenda by regular attendance at area forum and public services alliance events. The network continues to support our international work, including attendance at joint international seminars to progress the union’s work on international issues.
We continue to work with other self organised groups as we often share common themes and are looking forward to further developing this work in 2018. All of this work could not be carried out without the invaluable support from our all-female leadership team - Nicky Ramanandi our regional Convenor, Linda Hobson our Deputy Convenor and Clare Williams, Regional secretary.
Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland women’s committee has 47 members representing 22 branches across the region. In 2016/17, committee members again participated extensively in a wide range of organising and campaigning activity. The committee had 3 meetings over the year, as well as organising a very well attended film night.
Participation
Work is ongoing to develop further local women’s committees or forums based on the NDC motion. Women activists continue to organise local events and ongoing campaigns within their branches such as welfare advice sessions and women members’ meetings to encourage women to become more involved in the life of the union.
[pic]
UNISON president
The committee is enormously proud that Royal Hospitals branch women’s activist Margaret McKee has been elected to serve as UNISON president.
[pic]
Margaret McKee
Margaret also won the TUC women’s gold badge in September 2016. The committee organised a “film night” in April 2017 to celebrate Margaret’s achievements and to also recognise Fortwilliam Day centre worker Elizabeth Cameron who received the UNISON Health Hero award.
Conferences and committees
A delegation of 25 activists representing 16 branches attended the national women’s conference and the NI motion on “The exit of the UK from the EU has profound implications for women’s rights” was supported unanimously.
The 2017 ICTU joint women’s committee seminar took place in September in Portlaoise. This year’s seminar theme was ‘inclusive growth – a route for achieving gender equality’. The UNISON delegation played a prominent role and workshops included:
• Gender budgeting – policy and practice;
• Reform of abortion legislation North and South;
• Seeking asylum – what are the particular issues for women?
UNISON women members are represented on the ICTU women’s committee by Anne Speed and Danielle McCusker. Anne and Danielle, along with the regional secretary, are also active participants in the TU women’s council of the Isles that includes the ICTU, STUC, Wales TUC and TUC. The council last met in Cardiff in October 2017.
Work programme
Additional elements of the work programme arise from engagement with ICTU and the women’s TU council of the Isles and include:
• austerity and the impact on women;
• equal pay;
• menopause as a trade union issue.
Abortion as a workplace issue
UNISON members took part in a multi-union survey of women workers in both the private and public sector and on a cross-border basis given that the campaigns for abortion rights are running in both jurisdictions. The largest response to the survey was from UNISON members who have indicated clearly that this is both a workplace and trade union issue. The survey results are due to be launched in Belfast and Dublin in October 2017.
A delegation of women’s committee members attended the launch of ‘Abortion as a workplace issue’ on Thursday 19 October in Dublin.
International women’s day
UNISON women participated in a wide range of activities during the programme of events for IWD. A rally took place in Belfast on 4 March. The theme was ‘Peace, solidarity and sustenance - keeping body and soul together’. Every year we celebrate IWD to mark the political, economic, social and cultural gains of women while highlighting our continued fight for equality.
Campaigns & demonstrations
Throughout the year committee members continued to play a full and active role in UNISON demonstrations. We have been actively involved in the public marches and demonstrations in support of the campaign for a living wage, Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI), the two-child cap on child benefits (rape clause) and the May Day rally. The committee also linked in with the WASPI campaign in NI and met with councillors, MLAs and MPs at Belfast City Hall in May 2017.
Regional education programme
Committee members continued to deliver a significant element of the regional education programme with 119 women members attending our building confidence for women; Pathways; and women’s health and history. These courses are particularly designed to encourage more women to become active. In particular 39 women attended the Pathways programme, with a follow up event organised by the committee at the end of the year.
The impact of welfare cuts on women The committee has set up UNISON welfare clinics and workshops across various branches. These have attracted major support from members. Agnes Frazer was also a guest speaker at one of the committee meetings and provided a detailed account of the changes to the welfare system and the challenges that lay ahead particularly the abhorrent ‘rape clause’ and the two-child tax credit cap.
Women in prisons
Over the past year committee members have completed 3 sessions of the health and history course with women prisoners at Hydebank. Additional members are now trained as lay tutors to take part in these sessions.
Violence against women
The committee continues to monitor and promote UNISON’s domestic violence programme. Trained UNISON women stewards continue to provide domestic abuse support to staff across Health Trusts. The committee is monitoring the success of the project and developing a new initiative with Onus (domestic violence training and consultancy). Pamela Dooley and Roberta Magee presented our progress to a fringe meeting at NWC 2017. Roberta and Pamela also held an updating workshop with our own committee. A working group and programme of work has been agreed for the coming year.
North West
Over the last year the North West regional women’s committee has held committee meetings.
We held the women’s biennial conference on 22nd July 2017 at Arena Point. Our theme was women’s safety under a Tory government. We covered issues including the impact of pay restraint, increased racism, lack of suitable housing, pension inequality, community safety and Brexit. We concluded that women are unsafe with the Tories. The impact of their policies has seen women experiencing rising debt, homelessness, beaten, vulnerable and unsupported in their workplaces homes and communities.
It was well attended with fantastic guest speakers who included Dame Elizabeth Anionwu who spoke to us about her life and her mum’s life, and she promoted her book “Mary Seacole and Mixed Blessings from a Cambridge Union Memoirs”. Dame Elizabeth was very engaging and her story is fascinating and many of those present bought her book.
We heard from Qazi Marzia Babarkahill who told her story and how she came to England from Afghanistan as a refugee to escape the Taliban. Marzia had the whole room in tears as she shared her experience and what happened to her in the hands of the Taliban, yet she remains very philosophical and simply says “that’s life.” We welcomed her into our UNISON family and many of us still keep in touch via facebook. She doesn’t realise that she is a strong woman and part of the women’s movement.
Sara Rowbotham “Whistle Blower” Rochdale – Sarah talked us through her story and how the 3 girls’ drama unfolded. There were some very humorous moments as she recalled some of what’s happened since the story broke – i.e. bin dipping.
Nahella Ashraf, Stand up to Racism, made us aware of how hate crime is on the increase and shared some of her personal experiences of hate crime. Collette Williams from Black Activists Rising Against Cuts (BARAC) also shared her personal experiences. Both speakers were very knowledgeable and gave advice on how to help combat racism.
WASPI campaigners Christine Smith, June Roy and Pat Heron delivered a presentation on the WASPI women’s achievements.
The region has created a newsletter “Women’s Word” which contains updates and information on work taking place in the North West with lots of input from Sarah France, North West Women's Officer. The first edition was circulated in October as an autumn edition. It includes upcoming events, information and campaigns members might want to get involved in. We hope it will serve as an organising tool.
Teresa Connally was elected to be on the national standing orders committee (SOC) representing the North West, a position which is held for 4 years. She has been on the SOC for the past 2 years. It is imperative to understand the importance of standing orders and to ensure that our union is never put into legal jeopardy.
We now have a dedicated email address for North West committee members to use, which is northwest.women@unison.co.uk
UNISON North West women have been made aware of an extremely shocking statistic. Women across the UK are in period poverty as they struggle to afford basic sanitary products to give them dignity during their menstrual cycle. Food banks have said that more and more women are requesting sanitary items and that there is a general shortage of donations of these items. Girls and young women have also said that they do not feel able to ask already struggling parents to purchase products and thus have resorted to using toilet paper, tissue or a sock. We hope to make a real difference for these women so that no one has to live in period poverty. We are asking all women’s officers to set up a collection point in their workplaces where all staff can easily donate items, and in turn local branches can develop relationships with local food banks, homeless shelters and women’s refuges.
UNISON North West women are supporting The Safety Pin Campaign as we noted the rise in race and hate crime especially since the European referendum decision. As a response the committee decided in a show of solidarity with members of our communities, be they migrant workers, refugees or those with protected characteristics.
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We hoped to make a difference giving a clear message by encouraging all UNISON members to wear a safety pin so that if anyone at any time is in the community or using public transport they can easily identify a safe person from the safety pin they wear. No matter how we voted we must not allow a minority to discriminate and make anyone feel threatened.
UNISON North West has identified several employer domestic abuse policies which do not truly support those suffering domestic abuse. Whilst some employers still lack any policy to support staff, UNISON has found that where policies are in place they do not go far enough to support members. Some policies do not have any reporting mechanisms for colleagues of the victim, who identify early signals of domestic abuse. Others clearly lay the burden of reaching out for help at the victims’ door. So whilst those affected may be already finding it impossible to reach out to police and medical professionals an employer may well indicate in their policy that the expectation is on the employee to raise any abuse with them.
Sarah France, UNISON North West women’s officer said “UNISON is encouraging all reps to work with employers to review and improve their policies to ensure that vital advice and support is given to staff. It is so common for abuse to spill from the home into the workplace – which can also so often lead to members facing disciplinary action. No one has the right to put someone in this position and we all have a duty to support anyone who is struggling with domestic abuse and to break the silence.”
UNISON North West women now have a banner which can be easily carried on marches and rallies as it is very lightweight. It also can be stood in a heavy-duty water stand at inside and outside events
Recruitment
Recruitment in the region has been doing well despite restructures and redundancies in the area across all sectors. Women members still make up the majority of new joiners and we are keen to retain our women members and encourage them to become activists within the region.
Scotland
The Scottish women’s committee have had a full workload this year and the following report highlights some of the work we have undertaken. The committee as usual has played a full role in the region and have taken up the reserved seats on the standing committees such as the health & safety and international committees. Through this activity we are able to ensure that women’s concerns are heard throughout the union at a Scottish level. We also contribute to UNISON Scotland responses to Scottish government consultations.
Scottish women’s committee conference and AGM
This year’s conference and AGM was held on Saturday 30 September in Discovery Point, Dundee. The event was well attended with several first time delegates. The morning session was workshop based and focused on the pay up campaign and how to become more involved in future activities. Delegates were strongly encouraged to attend the Scottish march and rally in Edinburgh, which was being held the following week.
There was a short briefing on how to write a motion for conference and the role of the standing orders committee – this was presented by Katrina Murray.
The afternoon session was split into two halves. The first part was a workshop looking at what the delegates want the Scottish women's committee to focus on over the next two years. The final section of the day was the formal AGM. The main focus of the AGM were the constitutional amendments that included changing the term of office on the Scottish women’s committee to 2 years to bring it in line with NWC. Additionally the AGM debated motions to STUC women’s conference and national women’s conference.
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Elizabeth Rankin, NWC member, Scotland
The feedback from the day has been very positive. It was really good to see first time delegates from a range of service groups.
STUC women’s conference
The 90th annual STUC women’s conference was held in Glenrothes on 30 and 31 October. The theme of conference was ‘Women and Poverty and was chaired by Annette Drylie, GMB. UNISON Scotland submitted motions on Women and Strategy on Automation.
The conference debated a wide range of motions on topics ranging from abortion rights, workers’ rights, maternity rights, childcare, gender pay gap, automation, austerity, under-representation within the STEM workforce, ageism, health concerns, the ongoing attacks on the welfare state and transport.
Guest Speakers:
Provost Jim Leishman, Fife council.
Ian Waddell, Chair, Fife Trades Council
Phyllis Craig, MBE, Clydeside Action on Asbestos
Kathleen Wlaker Shaw, GMB Brussels
Beth Davis, Chair, Wales TUC Equality Committee
Sofi Taylo, STUC Black Workers Committee
Jackie Bailli MSP
Stanam Ner, STUC President
Susan Morrison, comedian and Scottish historian
Greame Smith STUC General Secretary
There were three workshops held on the afternoon of the first day and these looked at:
• Women and Mesothelioma
• Refuges
• Brexit.
Workplan 2017 / 2018
After discussion it was agreed that the SWC would move to a 2-year work plan to allow topics to be tackled in depth. This means we continued the work of the previous year under the following headings.
• Group A: Inspiring women through education and activism
• Group B: Violence against women
• Group C: Workplace issues
Full details of the work undertaken by each of the groups can be found in the SWC annual report, which can be emailed out on request.
South East
The South East regional women’s committee have had a full workload this year. The regional women’s training programme has been recruiting well. The committee are involved in regional committee structures as elected representatives to the reserved women’s seats on regional committee structures and some members of the committee also hold position of chair of some of the regional committees such as local government, social care forum.
Members of the committee have also participated in UNISON national and regional campaigns as well as external campaigns such as the EU workers lobby of Parliament; End Violence Against Women and local and national Reclaim the Night and Million Women Rise marches; the Global Women’s March which took place in January 2017; WASPI.
The committee work plan this year included raising awareness of sexual harassment in schools and in the workplace which included newsletter articles and workshops and briefings at regional women’s events and branch based events. The chair of the women’s committee has devoted an incredible amount of time to the work on the impact of Brexit on EU migrant women workers and has written and spoken on motions at Labour Link Forum, the social care forum, regional council and national delegate conference.
Holding recruitment and organising events during women’s history month in March is a good way to engage with non-members and encourage members to consider opportunities of becoming more active. In 2017 there were 21 branch based recruitment events dedicated to the theme of women’s history month and 3 branch workshops on pregnancy and maternity, sexual harassment and equality in UNISON. We are hoping to engage many more branches in 2018 given that it will be the 100th anniversary since the vote was given to women - albeit with restrictions!
The following 6 courses ran in 2017 with good attendance –
1) Branch women’s officer
2) Pregnancy, maternity and parental rights
3) Women’s history part 1
4) Women’s history part 2
5) Women, work and health
6) Assertiveness skills.
The course review forms from all of the courses showed that they were well received and enjoyed by the participants.
We also ran a couple of branch based courses and one course that stood out this year was the women’s leadership course which was organised by the branch women’s officers in Canterbury District local government branch. It was delivered locally to a group of 15 women from a group of 7 branches crossing both local government and health branches. It was held in Canterbury District offices in Kent on a sunny weekend in September, when the district offices building was empty of staff and the branch women’s officers turned their staff canteen into a training room. The woman who runs the canteen came in especially to provide us all with breakfast, lunch and cakes throughout the weekend. Whilst we were all learning about different leadership styles and contemplating what makes a great union leader, we also enjoyed the smell of the delicious cakes baking in time for the afternoon break! The group have requested an assertive skills course and this will run in March 2018. The committee hopes to run more courses like this next year, where it is local to women members and can encompass a number of branches so that the course runs with a good number of participants.
The committee held their annual women’s forum from 6 to 8 October which had 50 delegates. This year 31% of delegates were attending for the first time – for some women it was their very first or second time attending any UNISON event/training. As the women’s forum coincided with Black history month it was a great opportunity to bring to the fore the histories and lives of Black women, from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Guest speakers included Margaret Greer, UNISON national officer for race equality who opened the Saturday morning session and had the whole conference hall singing!
Helen McDonald, UNISON member from Eastern region and Nordic Model Now campaigner gave a very informative presentation on the argument for the decriminalisation of prostitution and Holly Rebeiro, organiser from the New South Wales Midwives Association gave an insightful presentation on women’s rights and women workers’ rights in Australia. Maggi Ferncombe South East regional secretary closed the Forum on Sunday reminding all delegates of the importance of increasing the number of women activists in the new women’s seats on the regional committee structure. The workshops included – mental health first aid; Black women in the suffragette movement; ‘women know your limits!’ a workshop on gaining more confidence to speak out at branch and regional committee meetings; and a workshop on writing articles for press and regional reports, using social media and making the most of your camera/phone – how to get the best photo.
The committee held the AGM at the end of October and it was quite well attended. The guest speaker at this year’s AGM was a local WASPI group who gave an excellent, well informed presentation. Elections were held where necessary for national and external seats and all of the key positions were filled. The committee has good representation of women from across the majority of service groups.
South West
The south west is the largest geographic region in England and presents many challenges for UNISON. The public transport networks are poor and the sheer size makes it difficult for members from across the region to meet. The northern part of Gloucestershire is as close to the Scottish border as it is to the tip of Cornwall! There are over 90,400 members in the region and 67,000 are women in 64 branches. There have been other challenges that have contributed to 2017 not being such a great year for the regional committee. Diminishing facility time and pressures in the workplace have meant that it has not always been possible to meet as a full committee and also difficult for members to take up their roles on other committees.
We also lost a number of significant members this year, most notably both the committee’s new joint co-ordinators. Laura Hall made the difficult decision to stand down from the committee in June as her new job had left her with less time for her trade union commitments. Carmela Walker-Bishop, also a national committee rep, resigned at the same time leaving Becky Brookman alone as our rep on national. We also lost Emilia Davies, University of West of England branch, earlier this year having found a new job in another organisation. Kym Bayley also left and we said farewell to Jo Morgan, who has moved to work in a women’s centre in Western Australia! They were all long standing active members of the committee and whilst their change of employment was good news for them we were really sorry to see them go. Despite all the challenges the regional women’s committee has been a positive, supportive place to be in 2017 and we are pleased to present this annual report.
The regional women’s conference and AGM “Wellbeing at work”, Taunton October 7th
Although just a one day event this year we managed to pack a lot in. The theme of the day, speakers and workshops all drew on the committee’s campaigns and priorities. Over 60 women attended on a Saturday from all over the region. According to the feedback forms, the women who had been before said it was the best yet, and were reinvigorated to do more and carry on with their role.
Those women who hadn’t experienced the conference before were blown away by the camaraderie of the women.
Many commented on the importance of feeling in a safe place to discuss any issues relevant to their gender, feeling a real part of their union and wanted more.
A motion was carried at last year’s AGM reaffirming feminism as an integral part of self-organisation and asking for it to be stated in the RWC’s constitution. We are very pleased to say that the amended constitution was agreed at the AGM part of the day and a very clear commitment made to the committee campaigning from a feminist perspective with a value base that seeks to achieve equal opportunities for women in education and employment and political, economic, personal and social rights for women. Three new members joined the committee at the AGM and a retired member is also offering her assistance.
The conference opened with a speech from Thangam Debbonaire (MP, Bristol West) and she really set the tone for the day. She talked about the political challenges facing the Labour party and trade unions, the importance of women taking up roles in public office and also her own experience of undergoing treatment for breast cancer soon after being elected to parliament. Many women described her as inspirational. Later in the day we heard from someone working for Trevi House - a residential rehabilitation unit for women and their children, with drug and alcohol dependency issues in Plymouth – and an ex service user. Last year members attending the conference donated a huge number of toiletries many of which were taken to Trevi. We were delighted that they were able to attend this year and tell us more about this unique establishment.
The workshops covered a range of issues –
• Women’s groups – bringing women together
• Work based sexual harassment – delivered by Somerset Rape and Sexual Abuse Service
• My Mind Matters – delivered by young members
• Bullying in the workplace
• Power to be you /confidence building
• Staying safe online
• Making sickness absence polices work better for us
• Young female recruitment.
The day finished on a high with a treat from Tarte Noir, a feminist playback theatre company. Many women left with actions that they intended to take back including ensuring their branches included women’s groups, campaigns, conferences and other activities in their branch assessments . Next year’s conference will be a full weekend, hopefully in Croyde Bay.
Work and campaign priorities
Brexit and Migrant workers
Building support for and organising migrant worker members is a priority for the committee following issues raised at last year’s regional conference. The results of the national survey have been circulated in regional equality news along with leaflet, guidance documents and information on national networks A working group will be seeking the views of members on what is needed in this region. Training will be offered on establishing regional networks for support, advice and guidance.
International work - Dunkirk Womens Refugee Centre
Two members of the committee, Amanda Brown and Becky Brookman visited and raised money for the women’s centre at the Dunkirk refugee camp in January this year and returned on 30 August. As a result of the visit the committee submitted an emergency motion to national women’s conference to highlight the needs of women and their children in Dunkirk. Money has been raised regionally and work will continue through this year to highlight this cause.
International Women’s Day, 8 March
This presented a great opportunity to raise awareness of migrant members and welcome them in our workplaces and communities. Events took place in branches throughout the region all with the theme of #beboldforchange. Some also included a focus on encouraging women, especially young women, to exercise their voting rights, which was well timed given the later call for a snap election.
IWD in Plymouth was marked by over 200 women from across the city gathering for the unveiling of a special quilt they had a hand in putting together. The project travelled around the city, for six months, to many different communities and has seen a wide range of women, including local women, trade unionists, refugees and lesbian women, get together to sew and share stories of women that have inspired them. A total of 71 women took part in the quilt making sessions.
Joyce Carol Vincent tragically died alone in her London bedsit and lay undiscovered for almost three years. Hayley Kemp, Plymouth branch said: “I wanted to do something that would symbolise Joyce and bring women across Plymouth together, each of whom could contribute a patch to a quilt that tells their own story.”
Joyce’s quilt was unveiled by Dr Sheila Cassidy who was held in one of Pinochet’s torture prisons during his military dictatorship. The venue was also significant - the old Jaeger factory, where so many women were employed sewing. The women who came to the unveiling were from a range of backgrounds - women whose families had lived in the city for generations, local retired people, Afghan interpreters’ wives who had been resettled here and women from the addiction rehabilitation centres in the city. The legacy of the quilt is that it has introduced women from different backgrounds some of whom now attend other craft groups together. The quilt is available for community groups to display in their community spaces and will eventually hang in the new Plymouth Museum.
Communications
The committee recognises the importance of campaigning with other SOGs wherever possible. Kendall Bromley, co-chair regional young members’ forum came to our meeting in May to raise their issues and for us to then consider joint campaigns. Housing, tampon tax, mental health and domestic abuse are all campaign areas that we share. Aging out is an issue for the group and we urge all women members up to 27 to get involved -UNISONYMSW@ . We are really pleased that Kendal has now joined the committee and look forward to working with her.
We also worked alongside Black and LGBT members on the SOG stall at Tolpuddle. Eight women from the south west worked as volunteers for the TUC and were especially pleased to escort Jeremy Corbyn. Online and face to face campaigning and lobbying has continued, with our Facebook and Twitter increasing in likes and followers. There has only been one women’s news this year with all news being covered in the monthly electronic equality news. However we believe the separate newsletter for women is still important and will endeavour to produce three next year as usual.
Impact of cuts
This continues to be a major concern for us and affecting each member of the committee in different ways. Women are increasingly working in fragmented workplaces, be they isolated and home based, small voluntary or private sector workplaces or on zero hours contracts. Information on the UNISON and Women and State Pension Inequality campaign (WASPI) has also been sent out and a member from Devon WASPI addressed the May regional council. A large number of our members are facing hardship in retirement as a result of the government’s changes to their state pension and we have written to all women on the south west electronic network to ensure they are informed about their future pension prospects and also write to their MPs to support women’s fight for a fair pensions transition.
Housing
We have supported the young members’ campaigns on housing benefit and bedroom tax. Information on the ACORN and the #Rentersrising campaign was sent out regionally asking members to sign a petition to stop the end of housing benefit for 18-21 year olds.
End violence against women
The focus for this area has been on supporting the Bristol zero tolerance campaign. It is a unique initiative aiming to make Bristol a city free from gender-based violence, abuse, harassment and exploitation. As a regional organisation UNISON SW signed up to the pledge at a launch event with Thangam Debbonaire MP and Joanne Kaye, Regional Secretary as speakers.
The action plan includes encouraging branches to sign up and work with their employers to do the same and commit to positive change in workplaces. The University of West of England branch held an event with a few speakers, including the regional women’s and equalities officer, and the employer is also now committed to a number of actions which will improve working conditions for staff and students alike. The Bristol zero tolerance campaign presents an opportunity for branches to raise an important issue for women and also a focus for a positive approach to employers. We encourage all members in Bristol branches to approach your branches to arrange to sign up.
Following our motion to national women’s conference being carried we have raised awareness about the terms of the Istanbul Convention in the region and encouraged members to lobby their MPs to sign for full ratification.
Increasing women’s participation
We believe training to be fundamental to encouraging women to be involved in the union.
The committee continues to ensure that the regional education programme includes women-only training for activists and members. Unfortunately both the Domestic Abuse in the Workplace and Sex Discrimination courses were cancelled due to very few members registered. We are pleased however that 12 new branch women’s officers were trained in July. The women only confidence building and assertiveness training was also successful and well attended in April.
The power to be you workshop has been delivered successfully in a number of ways with branches and organisers across the region. They have been delivered with local government and health branches in Cornwall, Wareham and also residential weekends in Croyde Bay. Women reported that their confidence and assertiveness has grown both in work and in their personal lives as a result of training with other women. We are pleased to report that arrangements are being made for Women’s Lives to be delivered early next year.
Women are working together in UNISON up and down the region whilst also often juggling work and home pressures. It has been another incredibly tough year due to yet more job cuts and attacks on facility time. In the circumstances we see women’s activism as a tremendous achievement. Several new women’s groups have started up including two in Plymouth and Somerset and plans are also in place for others following the women’s officers’ training. For many members a group is their first taste of any UNISON involvement and has led to women signing up to education courses, becoming more active in their branches and at a regional level. Over 60 members attended national conference this year and we hope for as many, if not more in 2018. We want to encourage women to continue supporting each other, campaigning and getting involved throughout the region however they feel able.
Cymru/Wales
The AGM held at the beginning of 2017 was an election year for the women’s committee (held bi-annually). Whilst we say so long (but not farewell), to some of our long standing committee members, we have some new faces that have taken on the role, and we now see a new committee for 2018/19.
Following on from previous campaign activity in the women’s group around the refugee crisis, the women’s group were proud to welcome Betty Nyamwenge from the Cardiff City of Sanctuary to speak at the January AGM. Betty gave an emotional account of her experiences as a refugee coming into Cardiff, the obstacles she faced and the barriers she has had to overcome. The women’s group continue to address this issue, and are working with other groups across Wales.
The women’s group have undertaken varied campaign activities in 2017 including:
Female genital mutilation
The women’s group have been raising awareness of this issue within their branches, to coincide with Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation day on 6 February. An article written by one of our members received an excellent response from both members and the public.
Menopause
Many employers are now contacting branch officers and the region for support and guidance around workplace policies relating to the menopause.
Much work has been undertaken to highlight the issue, including an article written by one of our members which has been published in the local paper for South Wales – the Western Mail.
The region is compiling workplace policies to share and is working with the TUC to promote their best practice sample policy. The Wales TUC is shortly due to launch its workforce survey and toolkit on the menopause, accompanied by an e-note. This will be promoted across Wales, with some branches already providing training and guidance using these materials.
Increasing women’s participation
The group is always keen to promote women’s engagement, and are happy to report many new faces attending the regional women’s committee.
The group has welcomed participants from the recently completed women’s lives course, and has been working with the region to promote a ‘confidence skills for women’ in December 2017 as a follow on to ‘women’s lives’, but also open to any member.
WASPI
Our members have been attending national and local WASPI events, including those held at the National Assembly building, the Senedd, in Cardiff. Excellent attendance was reported with assembly members speaking in support of the campaign.
Branches are being asked to engage with local WASPI campaign coordinators and promote local activity.
Sexual harassment
The group are looking to promote and compile current workplace policies on sexual harassment, and provide a best practice guide. It is intended to highlight the issue of sexual harassment in the run up to Christmas, and raise awareness in light of recent celebrity allegations.
Women in society/pro choice
The group are looking at current pro choice activities in Cardiff and their successful engagement with police to be able to feed this through to branches across Wales.
In addition, UNISON Cymru/Wales are looking into the possibility of hosting an exhibition entitled: ‘Safe and legal’ - an exhibition commemorating fifty years of women’s activism in Cardiff defending and extending women’s right to safe and legal abortion.
Merthyr Rising
Merthyr Rising is a music, arts and ideas festival that celebrates working class culture and resistance at the birthplace of the red flag, Merthyr Tydfil.
Local branches had collaborated to secure a large tent at the festival, in which the women’s group were able to hold a stall. A growing number of women are reporting assaults and rape at UK music festivals. Groping, verbal abuse, assaults and other forms of harassment at gigs and festivals are more common than any of us would like to think.
The Cymru/Wales regional women’s group discussed the need for equality awareness as part of the UNISON presence and agreed to theme their stall along ‘women’s safety’. The event was a huge success, with volunteers from across the women’s group and the local branches.
Funding for women’s aid organisations
The group are looking at how we can support Women’s Aid and similar organisations, and secure future funding. Following correspondence with Carwyn Jones (Wales First Minister), the group are looking to submit a motion to Labour Link to lobby for ring fenced funding for Women’s Aid organisations.
International Day of the Girl Child
To mark the date, the group arranged an evening film screening of the film ‘Wadjda’ at the Cardiff Story Museum. The group were pleased to welcome guest speakers – Caroline Jones from Action Aid and Margaret Greer (UNISON national officer, race equality), supported by Margaret Thomas Cymru/Wales regional secretary. The event was a success and was an excellent opportunity to empower women and girls across Wales and the world.
Development weekend
The women’s development weekend was held in September this year and built on the group’s work around the refugee crisis. The weekend was entitled ‘challenging the narrative’ and looked at myth busting some of the narrative portrayed by right wing media, exploring conscious/unconscious bias and micro messages. The weekend also included confidence building to have those challenging conversations.
The weekend was well attended with 16 participants who fully engaged in the weekend activities, and even took to the streets of Cardiff to have their ‘challenging conversations’ with members of the public.
Ending Violence against Women and Girls
The group are undertaking joint work with BAWSO and Women’s Aid regionally in relation to events for ‘International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Towards Women’ on 25 November. Branch activity and events will be encouraged and fed back to the region.
The group are also looking at joint working with other self organised groups in relation to the effect on women and girls mental health due to violence against them.
West Midlands
The regional women’s committee have continued to meet throughout 2017. Unfortunately in 2017 we have lost both our chair, Sue Laws and vice chair, Fran Hill. Sue has retired and Fran was made redundant. They have both served the committee for many years and held a number of national positions including both being members of the national women’s committee. They will be sadly missed and we wish them well. In turn Amelia Rout and Sarah Feeney have taken on those roles.
The region has continued to campaign on issues affecting women and the Birmingham branch welcomed Bridget Green from the Birmingham WASPI group in October. In July UNISON joined with other trade unions to celebrate the Women’s Chainmakers festival.
The regional women’s day will be held in early January and we look forward to welcoming Ruth Smeeth MP to speak to us.
Yorkshire and Humberside
The Yorkshire & Humberside regional women’s group have continued to work hard throughout 2017, in particular focussing on WASPI campaigning within the region. The group have continued to make valuable contributions to both the regional equalities plan and their own regional work plan.
The objectives for 2017 were to continue to encourage branches to set up women’s self organised groups and send members to the regional group, and to promote the inclusion of women members within UNISON.
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Pam Sian, NWC Vice-Chair
Yorkshire and Humberside region
The regional committee undertook various actions during the year in order to fulfil their objectives including:
• Supporting women across the region to run successful events and stalls in their workplaces in celebration of International Women’s Day.
• Organising women’s branch officer training.
• Planning an event in 2017 to celebrate women in trade unions and to include a celebration of the 100 year anniversary of women’s right to vote.
• Fundraising for Mind’s Blue Light charity.
• Participating in the WASPI demonstration in London.
Delegates from the women’s group have been elected to represent Yorkshire & Humberside women on the relevant committees including regional council, regional committee, TUC, and regional service groups.
Many of those who put themselves forward for election have had support and encouragement from the women’s SOG in order to develop new activists and encourage new women to participate in the union’s activity.
The women’s group has collectively written and submitted two motions on topics they felt strongly about, and have relevance to women in the workplace and the wider community.
Finally, thank you to the members - both existing and new - for their continued dedication and hard work on behalf of the regional women’s group and UNISON’s equality agenda.
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CONFERENCE REPORTS
National delegate conference
20-23 June 2017
Delegates: Lisa Dempster, Penny Smith
Conference was held again in Brighton this year during one of the hottest weeks of the summer.
Conference was opened by the senior vice president Carol Sewell. Carol welcomed everyone and said that she was looking forward to as many people as possible coming up to the rostrum to speak in debates especially first-time speakers. Carol also paid tribute to our late president Eric Roberts who sadly passed away in November.
This was followed by the presentation of the annual report by the junior vice president Margaret McKee and then the financial statements. We then proceeded to the order of business.
We held our women’s caucus on Tuesday lunchtime where we discussed the motions that we were speaking on from women’s conference; women’s safety and accommodation at conference; and the need for more women to speak at all our conferences. It was well attended with lots of contributions from the floor.
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The NWC chair, NDC delegates, vice president and national women’s officer at the women’s caucus
Tuesday afternoon started with our motion on the WASPI Campaign. This was very well received with lots of speakers coming forward to support the motion. The national women’s committee have always considered this a worthy campaign and it was great to have this important motion timetabled.
Dave Prentis spoke to conference on Tuesday afternoon and spoke about his support for WASPI. Dave also paid tribute to his friend Eric Roberts. Dave spoke passionately to conference saying this is the time, the tide is turning and the Prime Minister wobbles. Now is the time to smash the pay gap. He condemned the reality of a divided kingdom and described the country as dangerously divided between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’. Dave praised all the activists who made such a huge difference to the outcome of the general election and welcomed 10 new UNISON MP’s including our very own Eleanor Smith who took the seat once held by Enoch Powell. Dave finished by talking about Jeremy Corbyn and said that Jeremy would address conference on Friday morning. He said that Jeremy brought hope and vision for a brighter future and compassion for those suffering.
Wednesday morning began with the young members’ organising awards. This year the awards went to the Scottish young members who also won the TUC campaign award. Their focus was on bullying and harassment of young workers.
We then moved onto the debates. Our amendment to motion 1, developing an organising branch, on enabling greater participation by women at all levels of our union was ruled out of order by the standing orders committee despite several appeals. However, Penny did speak in support of the substantive motion and was able to get across that we have still not got proportionality quite right and that the national women’s committee have produced a proportionality toolkit for branches.
On Wednesday lunchtime Penny supported the equality fringe ‘Still just a bit of banter? Sexual harassment is no joke.’ This followed on from the TUC report in conjunction with the Everyday Sexism project into sexual harassment in the workplace. For many women, it is not a one-off incident but something that happened frequently in their working lives. It was shocking to hear the personal testimonies in the room but UNISON is committed to eradicating sexual harassment in the workplace and have our own guidance ‘The UNISON guide to bullying and harassment’.
Wednesday afternoon was busy with various motions including the emotive motion 17 Dying to Work Campaign, on which Lisa Dempster gave a very impassioned speech.
Thursday started with an address from Stephen Lewis the co-founder (along with Paula Donovan) of the international advocacy organisation ‘AIDS Free World’. Since 2014 AIDS Free World has been campaigning to get the ILO (International Labour Organisation) to recognise child marriage as amongst the worst forms of child labour. Stephen was asked to speak as a direct result of Paula speaking to national women’s conference in February. Every year 15 million girls are forced into child marriage, a child for sale to do compulsory work, hazardous work plus untold sexual acts. His speech was shockingly an eye opener for many in the hall. Lisa Dempster then passionately and in her own wonderful style moved the motion from national women’s conference on this issue.
Late on Thursday morning Lisa also moved our amendment on the housing crisis as it affects women. Again, a good speech by Lisa. The impact of poor housing and lack of affordable housing impacts greatly on women who are uniquely vulnerable. Those escaping domestic abuse, on low wages, etc are all vulnerable.
On Thursday lunchtime, Penny chaired the fringe meeting ‘Equality in our Time’. UNISON’s membership participation department had sent out a survey last year and is going to repeat the survey each year so please look out for it.
Thursday afternoon was the usual round of rule amendments but this was not difficult this year as there were no contentious amendments and so very straightforward.
Friday morning there was an excited buzz around the conference hall in anticipation of our guest speaker – Jeremy Corbyn. Jeremy spoke for a good 20 minutes, no notes needed when speaking from the heart on your beliefs for the future of the nation.
Jeremy is of course a UNISON member. This was his first major speech after the election. He described Labour’s performance as a real advance for working people across the country as result of putting popular policies centre stage. He said that we had all showed that the politics of hope will always overcome the politics of fear. Jeremy said that from Hillsborough through to Grenfell working people’s voices had been ignored and he paid tribute to the heroic public service workers. He also reaffirmed that a Labour government would end the public service pay gap. He finished by saying that he believed that the next election would not be far away.
Self organised group conferences
Black members
18-20 January 2017
Delegate: Jenny Forbes-Reid
Margaret Greer, chair of national Black members’ committee opened conference with a minute’s silence for the late president of UNISON, Eric Roberts, who passed away at the end of November 2016. There was also a video about Eric with some of his UNISON comrades.
Peter West, mayor of Brighton and Hove was then introduced and he delivered a positive speech noting the Royal Pavilion as a delightful tourist destination in Brighton. In the past sick and injured Indian, Sikh and Hindu Army soldiers were cared for there and it was known as a military hospital. He encouraged delegates to visit the palace.
Peter also raised his distaste with the recently elected USA President Donald Trump but limited his comments because he advised conference as mayor he was not permitted to discuss anything political, however he felt he had to mention his election.
He also reported on Brighton and Hove Black history and the positive impact it has within the community.
Dave Prentis, UNISON general secretary delivered a moving speech about racism and the effect it has on Black members. He also assured conference that UNISON would continue their campaign for equality and diversity. Dave also honoured Margaret Greer and highlighted her hard work campaigning and representing Black members and reported to conference that he is looking forward to her working as the newly appointed national race equality officer in UNISON.
Saturday morning began with the presentation of the Mandela Award which was given to Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London who sent a pre-recorded message thanking UNISON for the award.
Dawn Butler, at the time of conference shadow minister for diverse communities, delivered an interesting and interactive presentation engaging conference about her struggles as a Black woman in public office.
She also introduced a question and answer session, and interestingly one of the questions was about all-Black women shortlists. She informed conference that she didn’t agree with this and believed we should go through the same channels rather than become a token. She says this is an area that should be worked through and believed that in the future this would occur naturally through campaigning. She also discussed her journey to become an MP in Brent Central in the 2015 general election.
Malia Bouattia, president of the National Union of Students was elected in April 2016. She is the first Black Muslim who heads up this union.
There were several workshops:
• Improving young Black members’ participation in the Black members’ SOG
• Lack of representation of Black workers in senior positions
• Health and safety reps/dealing with bullying and harassment
• Bargaining and negotiating around race equality.
On Sunday morning Margaret Greer delivered a presentation about her journey as an activist and explained this was her last conference as chair and lay member. She sang to conference and delegates joined in and she was given a standing ovation.
Carol Sewell, UNISON senior vice president delivered a moving speech which also included acknowledgement of Eric Roberts. She also said Margaret McKee, junior vice president would continue with his work.
I moved the national women’s committee motion on All-Black women’s shortlists on Sunday morning, which was carried.
Disabled members
28-30 October 2017
The NWC delegate withdrew at short notice and no replacement was able to be found.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) members
17-19 November 2017
Delegate: Norma Black
Gordon Mackay, vice president opened conference reminding us of all that has been had been achieved in our fight for change and equality and yet there was much more still to be done. Other guest speakers included Aderonea Apata who spoke movingly of her asylum seeking journey and shared her personal thanks to UNISON for their support.
There were excellent debates on motions with a card vote deciding the fate of motion 33, Stonewall – Repairing the damage which was lost. Emergency motions added to the agenda were ‘Marriage equality in Northern Ireland’ and ‘Trans Equality’. Motions selected for NDC were’ Non binary inclusion’ and ‘Our place on the global stage post-Brexit’.’
Conference ended with a lovely sing a long rendition of ‘My Way’. Next year’s conference will be in Harrogate.
Service group conferences
Community
3-5 March 2017
Due to an accident, the delegate to the community conference had to withdraw at the last moment. The NWC motion therefore fell.
Higher Education
2 March 2017
Delegate: Mandy Williams
It was my privilege to be asked to move motion number 6, on the gender pay gap, on behalf of the NWC. Although confident that the motion would be well received by conference, I was determined to give the issue the weight it deserves, and do more than simply move the motion formally.
I am pleased to report that the motion was passed nem con, and so the higher education service group is now committed to pressing UCEA (the Universities and Colleges Employers Association) to commit to ending the gender pay gap by 2020.
The resolution was framed around the recent publication of a very useful and thorough document, the New Joint Negotiating Committee for Higher Education Staff (JNCHES): Higher Education Pay Gap Data (September 2016). The JNCHES report was signed off in the foreword by Donna Rowe-Merriman, UNISON’s senior national officer for education and children’s services, and by Helen Fairfoul, chief executive of UCEA.
Activists in local branches can use this rich data for benchmarking and holding to account their own local management – particularly those who lay claim to ambitions over gender equality. My own institution, for instance, lays great store on improving its Athena Swan award ranking. One of the core principles of Athena Swan is tackling the gender pay gap.
Other motions covered a broad variety of topics. There was a sense that motions on topics such as bullying, mental health, xenophobia, removing barriers for disabled workers, brought discussion and support rather than debate, as conference was largely of one mind on these, and was saving its fire for the two contentious issues: pay and union democracy. Given that in last year’s pay ballot a narrow win for ‘yes’ to industrial action, on a disappointing turnout, was overturned by the HE SGE, these two were intertwined. Points of principle over honouring the democratic will of the membership were clearly supported by the majority of conference. As most of higher education is engaged in joint national bargaining with other unions (UCU, Unite, GMB and EIS), a less exciting but nonetheless important pragmatic move was to agree to move the timing of our democratic structures to fit more proactively into the national pay bargaining cycle.
Following on from this, it was interesting to meet up with three women UNISON members from the community service group the next morning. Being a much more fragmented work force, it was fascinating to compare and contrast burning issues of the two service groups.
As the details of all motions passed and commitments made will be posted on the UNISON website, I won’t elaborate them here. I would just like to finish with a huge commendation for our speaker from Hope Not Hate: John Page. He spoke about the important topics of rising hate crime, the Prevent agenda, and young voter registration in a way that was both straightforward and engaging.
Healthcare
24-26 April 2017
Delegates: Norma Black, Pat Heron
Key issues at health conference were the impact of sustainability and transformation plans, pay and working conditions, with equality issues running through the whole agenda as privatisation continues to seep through our NHS.
Conference heard of the potential impact of Brexit on our European staff. Many have been told to “go home” despite the chronic shortage of nurses here in the UK. This can only worsen as we enter a time when we see more and more NHS staff reaching retirement age over the next few years and trusts struggling to recruit and retain.
While we welcome progression for all grades, this needs to be done with a comprehensive outlook as we protect and support staff such as nursing associates and other healthcare staff, including through regulation of these new roles. We must also ensure that the principles of Agenda for Change, the knowledge and skills framework and equal pay are implemented across the NHS.
We heard a moving speech from a young member on how her dreams of becoming a nurse were shattered after the removal of the bursary, and how the withdrawal of bursaries was making nursing a profession unattainable to many working class people. The burden of loans at the end of the training; the need to work to house and feed themselves; and to provide them with basics such as bus fares, petrol, books and other items needed for study were impossible barriers for many.
Time and time again we heard of the impact on health workers – pay, terms and conditions, workloads, stress levels, complexity of service users’ needs coming through the doors of the NHS, the rise in the cost of living, these are only a few of the factors facing all our NHS workers on the receiving end of the destructive impact of public spending cuts.
As the Health and Social Care bill bites even more deeply, we see shared services, but this varies across UK depending on where you live. There is confusion as there are a number of initiatives seeking to bring about service transformation. It is essential that there is a jointly co-ordinated local government and health approach.
As NHS England pushes on with its apprenticeship programme we must protect these employees and look to recruit them into UNISON. While many apprentices will be young, we heard of opportunities for people in their twenties and thirties too.
I spoke on the effects of an aging workforce within the NHS, which is predominantly women. Many trusts have not revealed their long term plans for these workers as staff face working longer, without the financial means to retire at 55 or 60. With the rise of the State Pension age to 66-68 and protection against age discrimination, many staff find they need to continue working.
Meanwhile NHS trusts introduce rigorous sickness and capability policies which will impact on older workers, and we need to have a good practice policy in place for branches.
I was asked to speak in support of the service group emergency motion on building the fight to break the pay cap. Many of our bands 1 to 4 are the ones who stand on picket lines; and many of the lowest paid workers feel the squeeze as they visit food banks, walk to work at the end of the month; do not have enough petrol to do the job at the end of the month etc. As we all feel the squeeze as redundancies, no pay rise etc bite, I asked conference if they could guarantee that all health workers will, if they put a X in the box, be on the picket lines?
The delegates attended focus groups, and there were fringes on WASPI, nursing and midwifery, UNISON mental health champions and influencing the NHS.
Energy
19 June 2017
Delegate: Terri Fanning
This year’s conference was opened with a tribute to Scottish colleague Danny Gillespie who sadly passed away in April this year.
After this the general secretary addressed the conference praising the delegates in the sector for the highest density of any of the sectors within the union, highlighting British Gas which has a membership of 65% of its staff.
He then moved on to discuss the hardships faced by those in the sector in the last 12 months and the hard work of our branches in the sector to fight on behalf of our members and how much it means to those who do not have a voice. He finished with a touching presentation to former branch secretary of Yorkshire Gas branch Tina Court, who recently left British Gas after 17 years, much of which was spent as an activist and member of the British Gas sector committee. She will be sadly missed by everyone in the union.
The report from the Standing Orders Committee was passed unanimously, as was the Energy Report 2017.
Motions
Energy conference and energy branch seminar
This motion noted that neither event had been particularly well attended and there had been a notable decline in the amount of material which had been submitted.
The motion put forward that these events be held side by side, and rotated around the country. The amended motion was passed.
Activist learning and development within energy
The motion noted that many activists had benefited from specific utility linked training courses and that many of the courses offered by UNISON are not relevant to the sector. Concern was also raised that the level of fees had increased. The motion was carried along with an amendment calling for branches to hold joint regional training events.
Supporting our supporters
This motion called for support for activists within the sector and to ensure that over-worked and stretched reps are given both support and resources whilst also ensuring branches share good practice. In addition it called for a workshop at the 2017 energy branch seminar to look at strategic planning to target issues within the sector. Finally it called upon the Energy SGE to provide a point of contact as a liaison between reps and members to set expectations. This motion was passed
Changes to the way taxable benefits work through salary sacrifice schemes
This motion called upon the energy SGE to survey branches to understand what is happening within each energy employer and how each of these is responding to the changes.
It noted the significant impact on the staff, the take-home pay and possible additional charges. It also called upon the SGE to give advice to branches in tackling employers to ensure it forms part of key bargaining objectives and to share good practice. The motion was passed.
Hydrogen gas
The motion noted that the future of the gas industry remains open to question despite its continued use throughout the UK. It also noted this has led to the development of hydrogen gas, which may also impact upon the industry. As a result it called for the energy SGE to support members within the gas industry, promote engagement through stakeholders so that gas can continue to be used safely alongside hydrogen whilst still employing thousands of workers and finally to use its influence to promote the work of its members in the industry. The motion was passed.
Safe driving
The motion noted that many employers within the energy sector have safe driving initiatives which monitor speed, distance and many other factors of driving. It also noted that whilst this is a common sense approach, it could result in increased pressure and risk of dismissal. It called upon the energy SGE to monitor the situation, to put a briefing together for reps dealing with these cases whilst understanding the level of disciplinaries being held due to this. Finally it called upon UNISON’s health and safety unit and bargaining support unit to provide additional support. Motion passed.
Call Centre Charter - how far have we come?
The motion noted the increasing number of our members in the sector working within a call centre environment and welcomed that the 2012 Call Centre Charter calls upon a decency agenda for these workplaces. It also noted that any worker can be affected by bullying or harassment but this impacts on certain groups of workers, such a LGBT workers, disproportionately. It called upon the energy SGE to survey branches on whether employers are signed up to the charter and to investigate how it is being implemented and whether it makes specific reference to tackling anti LGBT abuse. It also calls for training for staff and managers whilst working with branches where the employer has not adopted the charter to negotiate this. Motion passed.
Race inequality in the Workplace
The motion noted that despite efforts from the union, Black workers are still at a disadvantage within the job market and the number of Black workers in senior positions remains low. It noted that Black members earn less and are more insecure in their employment and unemployment is at its highest among Black members.
Additionally the motion noted that Black workers find it difficult to challenge inequality but that the union has a proud history of challenging this.
It called upon the Energy SGE to produce material to highlight the gap between Black members who hold senior positions compared to white members; encourage regions to work with branches to ensure employers carry out equality impact assessments when carrying out reorganisations and to ensure more apprenticeships are open to Black workers. Motion passed.
Workplace Domestic Abuse Policies
This motion was submitted through the national women’s committee. The motion noted that following a motion from women’s conference in 1998 a model domestic abuse policy and guidelines were produced. Many employers within the public sector have adopted these policies but the energy sector has been slow to respond and such policies are not commonplace in the industry.
The motion also noted the impact of a lack of policy on members, especially those within the sector working in isolation, a factor which is common within the industry. The motion called upon the energy SGE to seek recognition from employers that they have a responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their staff; implement management training to recognise the signs of abuse; raise awareness of There for You to support members and finally to consider providing training for workplace reps supporting members who are victim to this abuse. This motion was passed. Upon moving the motion and its subsequent passing I made many connections to help with the progression of this motion.
Chair of the conference and president of UNISON, Margaret McKee approached me and advised that within her workplace there is already such a policy and offered her support. Several reps from energy employers wished to engage to help to push this through with their employers.
The WET service group is also looking to implement such a policy and joint work is planned to implement this. All of these things should help to ensure we can implement these changes and make a real difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable members.
Water, Environment and Transport
18 June 2017
Delegate: Caroline Pintar
The mood at the conference was sombre after the appalling events at Grenfell Tower and a minute’s silence was held to commemorate the needless deaths that occurred. It gave us all an opportunity to reflect on the dangers of the government’s ‘war on red tape’, in order to put profit before humanity. This was followed up with an excellent speech by Roger McKenzie, assistant general secretary, who spoke of his anger at how the government seems almost surprised that workers in the NHS, the police and the fire service went above and beyond to try and save lives at Manchester Arena, London Bridge and Grenfell Tower. In my view, this is because working in the public service is our vocation, we’re not in it for the money.
However, as Roger says quite rightly, our goodwill has been taken advantage of for long enough with endless pay caps and decimation of services and it’s time to put a stop to it. I might also add that nurses, teachers, social workers and carers were living in Grenfell Tower – members will have perished in that fire due to the lack of affordable housing in London and this is a grievous loss to the nation.
Allied to this, as a number of the motions were around health and safety; the Grenfell Tower disaster gave delegates pause for thought. My colleague from WYCAT branch, Andrew Goring, gave a very moving and emotional account as he had changed the wording of his original motion, which was going to be a light-hearted look at the media construction of ‘health & safety gone mad’, to a passionate defence of regulation that is proven to save lives.
This was my first time moving a motion at a UNISON conference and I was very excited about the opportunity to speak about a subject that I’m passionate about, which is public transport and the gradual decline of bus services in the UK, despite the increase in passenger numbers across other modes such as train and tram. Allied to this, it is female passengers who bear the brunt of cuts to services and let’s face it, this is the case not just for buses but, as women, we seem to lose out when all kinds of public services are cut.
Unfortunately my second motion regarding safety on public transport was ruled out of order, but as my colleague from the young members’ forum was moving a similar motion I used the same speech in support – again a very timely motion given that abuse of passengers on public transport is more visible due to social media.
Both motions were carried without amendments and it’s good to know that the union backs the national women’s committee regarding these issues which are having a direct and deleterious effect on women’s safety and wellbeing.
Ironically, an excellent weekend in Brighton, was topped off by a horrendous journey back to Yorkshire courtesy of the infamous Southern Rail! Signal failures, plus a fire on the track, led to multiple cancellations – all fair enough, but what was interesting was the proof that driver only service is simply not fit for purpose. The poor driver was saddled with making announcements, then de-training 10 congested carriages of passengers to an alternate service at Earlswood, whilst also fielding questions from worried passengers concerned about their onward journeys. The driver did an excellent job in very trying circumstances, as everyone was worn out and fractious in the baking 30 degree heat, and I felt very sorry for him to be stuck with all these tasks in the absence of a guard. Our sister union the RMT are campaigning in the North, as Northern Rail are also proposing having a driver only service, which has led to strike action. I have made a complaint to Southern Rail about my experience, and have copied in Northern Rail and local rail action groups, so everyone is clear that in my view the driver only service is a farce!
Local Government
18-19 June 2017
Delegates: Penny Smith and Tracey Sutton-Postlethwaite
Local Government conference was once again held at Brighton where the sun shone brightly.
Conference started with standing orders reports. It had been decided that the bucket collection this year should be for the Grenfell fire disaster and we also held a minute’s silence.
Glen Williams then introduced the annual report in his own inimitable style. He talked about the Grenfell fire disaster and the lack of acknowledgement of all the extra hours and hard work that ordinary local government workers had put in following the disaster in that local and neighbouring authorities to help in the aftermath of the disaster. Glen talked of the lack of adequate funding in all areas of the service but thanked us all for our hard work and efforts despite seeing our pay cut in real terms year on year. He also called for the pay cap to be scrapped and asked us to all support the up and coming pay campaign.
We then saw a film about the Derby City schools support staff campaign which they won. The film was very moving and worth a watch (see UNISON website) if you have not already seen it. We also heard from one of the UNISON members involved and how they had gained strength from being in UNISON, from UNISON and by UNISON. We also heard about the similar campaign in Durham where negotiations are not as far along as Derby, but the campaign there has also been far-reaching. What is clear from both Durham and Derby is that being in UNISON has kept the staff strong through difficult times. All the speakers had never been to conference before, and all made it clear that what happened to them caused them to become active, and that doesn’t look likely to change.
On Sunday afternoon Tracey Sutton-Postlethwaite made the first of our speeches moving the amendment on apprentices. Tracey highlighted that one of the causes of the stagnant gender pay gap is occupational segregation and called on guidance for employers to avoid gender stereotyping.
Monday morning’s first speech was our speech on closing the gender pay gap in local government moved by Penny Smith. A report of which is on the conference pages on UNISON’s national website.
Monday morning’s guest speaker was Mo Baines, head of communications and coordination at APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence). Mo talked about the value of ‘insourcing’ public services as opposed to the current trend of ‘outsourcing’ all local government services.
Tracey made our second speech, moving the composite ‘Workplace mental health in local government’. It was very well received and lots of delegates came up to speak on the motion.
Our last speech was the amendment to the national Black member’s committee motion on bullying of Black workers in the workplace moved by Penny. Again, very well received with many delegates wishing to speak in support.
On Monday afternoon we heard from Dulce Maria Iglesias Suarez, the general secretary of the Cuban public services union. She said that the challenge for trade unions today is to contribute to real social integration for the people and to the better world we all aspire to. Dulce told us how the economic failure and social disaster of the global financial meltdown has been devastating for the poorest of the world. She also said that Western governments had created threats to the world itself and to people across the planet. She thanked us for our continued support and all branches were asked to affiliate to the Cuban Solidarity Campaign.
Police and Justice
12-14 October
Delegates: Shaaron Coward and Lesley Holme
Even though the journey for many delegates and officers would have been long and tiring, the views of Llandudno were wonderful and beautiful to see.
12 October 2017
Conference was opened by Margaret McKee, UNISON president.
A minute’s silence was held for Rodney Bickerstaffe, former UNISON general secretary, and other colleagues who have sadly passed away in the last twelve months.
The standing orders committee report and the annual report 2016/2017 were moved and carried.
There were 32 motions, 10 amendments, 2 emergency motions and 1 composite on mental health awareness made up from motions submitted by North West regional committee, national women’s committee and national disabled members’ committee.
The motions submitted by the national women’s committee were:
• Mental health awareness in the police service
• Dealing with the menopause in the workplace
Shaaron was supporting the mental health awareness as this is very close to her heart, and was second speaker for the day. Lesley moved the menopause motion, the third motion to be heard.
Most of the motions did not produce a lively debate. There was a motion submitted by Norfolk police entitled ‘Needed Yesterday’. This was about the post incident procedures (PIP) training and due to it not being widely or readily available to members and asking for an aide memoire to be produced for use in the interim period. This motion produced a very lively debate with many speaking for and against the motion. Maureen Le Marinel speaking from NEC, reminded conference that if the motion was passed it could put UNISON in legal jeopardy.
Debate continued after lunch and after a point of order was called the question was put and the motion was not passed.
This motion was followed by the first emergency motion submitted by East Midlands region, ‘Post Incident Procedures Helpline’.
The same points were raised as those on the previous motion, and this was also not passed. All motions were moved and debated on this eventful first day of conference and we finished business an hour earlier than scheduled.
Dave Prentis addressed the conference, and it was then back to motions, and a motion submitted by Suffolk police, ‘Opposing Police Officer Fitness Test for Staff’. The mover of the motion ran into the conference hall in his fitness gear, addressing conference breathless! Unfortunately the mover was due to move the next motion that was to follow and, as he ran from the hall, his sharer delegate stepped up to the plate and moved the motion for him!
13 October 2017
The second day of conference started with two plenary sessions, the first being a pension update from Glyn Jenkins, UNISON pension’s officer. This can be a dry subject to most of us but Glyn was able to put a sense of humour into the subject and presentation slides were to be emailed to all delegates after conference.
The second plenary session was a speech from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cheshire, David Keane, the first Labour PCC for Cheshire and a UNISON member. He holds regular meetings with UNISON and is fully aware of the issues that police staff face.
A question was raised by Eastern Region Probation about the fact that the Probation Service is not under the democratic control of the PCC, something conference felt strongly and passionate about and should be addressed by the government. In Cheshire privatisation of police services has been halted and they started to bring some privatised services back in-house; he believes a certain type of approach is needed in order to convince organisations that the consequences of not having control of the services could be very costly, for example on health and safety risk. He emphasised that working conditions would be a lot worse in the last seven years without the hard work, commitment and campaigning of UNISON members and activists.
There were also a series of workshops:
Professionalising Policing
This workshop was an introduction to how the College of Policing is currently supporting the ongoing professionalisation of policing.
The work of the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission)
The chair of the police and justice service group executive facilitated this workshop which was about the results of the IPCC survey carried out earlier this year on experiences with IPCC investigations.
From January 2018 the IPCC will change its name to IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct).
Mind: Blue Light 999 Operator Project
This workshop gave an overview of the Mind Blue Light Programme and the 999 Operators Project which has been initiated within the project. The Blue Light Programme set up by Mind was the charity that was close to the heart of our late UNISON president Eric Roberts and will be very close to the heart for many police staff in police forces across England and Wales. Mind Blue Light Programme was originally available in England from 2015, but has since been to include Wales from April 2017; and it helps staff, officers and volunteers working in fire, ambulance, police and the search & rescue (i.e. RNLI, Mountain Rescue) services. Mind is not recognised in Scotland.
The programme has four strands:
1. Tackling stigma and discrimination that people might face if they were to declare that they have a mental health issue/situation/crisis/need
2. Boosting workplace wellbeing
3. Building resilience
4. Accessing information.
Barred and Advisory List
The barred and advisory lists were introduced by the Policing and Crime Act 2017. The new arrangements will require police staff dismissed, or who resign/retire whilst under misconduct investigation, to be placed on either the barred or advisory List. Inclusion on either list will have major implications for the employment of police staff. The workshop gave an overview of the new provisions and how they will affect police staff.
14 October 2017
The last morning of conference began with a photo-call for the Pay Up Now campaign followed by a presentation and a Q and A session on the Police Staff Council Pay and Reward Review (PSC P&R Review).
Next year’s conference in October 2018 is being held in Bournemouth and instead of it being over three days, it will only be for two days.
TUC women’s conference
8-10 March 2017
TUC women’s conference was attended by delegates from 10 regions (excluding Northern Ireland and Yorkshire and Humberside); the vice-chair of the national women’s committee; members of the NEC and presidential team; and TUC general council members. The delegation was supported by the national women’s officer and assistant national officer.
Motions
UNISON submitted two motions and 1 amendment, all of which were carried:
Composite 1 : Brexit and equality rights
Motion 6 : Championing our public services
Motion 25 : Fair treatment for women and pensions.
51 motions were submitted to the agenda (one subsequently withdrawn) and three emergency motions were admitted.
UNISON delegates spoke on our three motions, seconded a UCATT motion on the Housing and Planning Act; an NASUWT motion on widening gender inequality and spoke against an ASLEF motion on decriminalisation of sex work.
The latter motion was the only one opposed by the TUC women’s committee, and UNISON. Penny Smith spoke in accordance with UNISON policy in a lively debate on the New Zealand vs Nordic model of decriminalisation. Ultimately the motion was soundly defeated, although many unions abstained.
Election of the TUC women’s committee
Lucia McKeever was elected to a general seat and Eleanor Smith to a Black women’s seat on the committee.
UNISON fringe meeting
UNISON organised a fringe meeting on the WASPI campaign, which was attended by approximately 40 delegates. Two members of the WASPI campaign group addressed the group, alongside Pat Heron from UNISON and Michelle Singleton from the PPA department. The fringe was chaired by Carol Sewell, senior vice president.
Conference panel discussion
A panel discussion on ending violence against women took place on the final day of conference.
Marai Lasai, IMKAAN and co chair of the EVAW coalition; Karen Ingala-Smith, NIA and Counting Dead Women Project and Dr Jane Pillinger, the author of the ETUC project on VAWG, were the speakers.
Guest Speakers
Sarah Champion MP, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities
Mary Bousted, TUC president
Frances O’Grady, TUC general secretary
Esther Lynch, confederal secretary ETUC
Huber Ballesteros, Colombian TU leader.
TUC Congress
10-13 September 2017
Delegate: Penny Smith
It was an honour and a privilege to represent the NWC at this year’s congress in Brighton.
Sunday afternoon started with our delegation meeting where we were told that the emphasis for UNISON this year was to be on ending the pay cap for all public sector workers. It was a good meeting and a chance for all of us to meet each other. We were a delegation of 62 – 40 female and 22 male.
Congress started off Sunday afternoon with a tribute to all those we had lost in the past year including a moving tribute to our own president Eric Roberts.
The current TUC president Mary Bousted opened conference. Mary called on the government to offer fair pay for all workers. She said that the government should be ashamed that so many people do not know what their wage packet will be from week to week with so many insecure contracts and jobs. We then had a statement on Brexit from Frances O’Grady, TUC general secretary. She said that trade unions must take the lead on Brexit because the government didn’t seem to be. Conference finished at 6.30 and we were then informed that there was a credible bomb threat at our hotel and we were unable to return until 10pm but thankfully no device was found.
On Monday Frances O’Grady made her keynote speech and she talked about how single market membership was the best option for working people. She also told the government that 5 million public servants need a pay rise now. Later the TUC paid tribute to public and emergency service workers as they shared their heartfelt stories of responding to recent tragedies.
Dave Prentis moved the motion on public sector pay and ending the pay cap, which was incredibly well received by all unions.
Tuesday started with a special feature on young workers and their importance within the TU movement. In the afternoon Jeremy Corbyn addressed congress. He delivered a passionate speech including a special thanks to UNISON for our victory on ET fees. He urged everyone to join a union and let everyone know that UNISON was his union.
Wednesday was the last day and we heard from Colombian Huber Ballesteros who thanked congress and especially UNISON for their solidarity in campaigning for his release.
It was this morning that I spoke in opposition, successfully, to the ASLEF motion on the decriminalisation of sex work. There were more speakers against than for and we won by a good majority.
Congress finished by thanking Mary Bousted for all her hard work during the last year and introduced Sally Hunt, UCU, as the new president of the TUC.
APPENDIX 1
MEMBERSHIP OF THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S COMMITTEE 2016/17
Regional Representatives
|Eastern |Lesley Holme, Louise McDermott (from April) |
|East Midlands |Penny Smith, Rosie Bartram(AGM only), Nathalie Birkett (from September) |
|Greater London |Amanda Bailey, Josie Mangan |
|Northern |Janet Green, Pat Heron |
|Northern Ireland |Irene Graham, Roberta Magee |
|North West |Julie Dring, Angela Greenhalgh, Julie Savage |
|Scotland |Norma Black, Maggie Cook, Elizabeth Rankin |
|South East |Shaaron Coward, Julia O’Donnell |
|South West |Becky Brookman, Tracy Cunningham (from October) |
| |Carmela Walker-Bishop (AGM only) |
|Cymru / Wales |Katie Hall, Tracey Sutton-Postlethwaite |
|West Midlands |Jennifer Forbes-Reid, Paulette Whyte |
|Yorkshire & Humberside |Gail Andrews, Pam Sian, Karen Smales |
Others
|National Black Members’ Committee |Manjula Kumari, Tania McGee |
|National Disabled Members’ Committee |Lisa Dempster/Maggie Griffin, Sam Sharp |
|National LGBT Committee |Angelique Denys (AGM only), Natalie Roberts |
|Young Members Forum |Kendal Bromley-Bewes |
|NEC |Kris Black and Jane Doolan (from April), Margaret McKee |
| |Elizabeth Baptiste, Lynne Poulton AGM only |
|TUC co-optees |Lucia McKeever, Eleanor Smith |
Staff
|National Women’s Officer |Sharon Greene |
|Assistant National Officer |Clare Knights |
APPENDIX 2
Constitution of the national women’s committee
Representation
Regions with up to 100,000 women members Two seats
Regions with more than 100,000 women members Three seats
Other self-organised groups (SOGs) Two for each national committee
National young members forum (NYMF) One seat
National executive council Three seats
UNISON members of the TUC women’s committee
All posts are open to job share.
Each region and self-organised group may nominate a substitute.
When electing representatives, regions are reminded of the requirement to achieve fair representation for the low paid, part time workers, shift workers, Black women, disabled women, lesbians, bisexual and transgender women. Where regions are entitled to three representatives, the third seat must take into account fair representation.
Term of office: The committee is elected every two years, taking office after national women’s conference.
Length of service: Regional, SOG and NYMF representatives shall serve no more than two consecutive terms on the committee. This is to encourage and enable more women to become involved in UNISON activities at a national level.
Once a regional, SOG or NYMF representative has served on the national women’s committee, they must take a break of at least one two-year term before they are eligible for re-election either as a full member or substitute to the national women’s committee, regardless of their nominating body.
Quorum: The quorum for meetings of the committee will be no less than one third of the members, excluding the chair.
Meetings: The committee will meet no less than four times annually. Further meetings will be held on the recommendation of the committee.
AGM: The annual general meeting of the committee will be the first meeting after national women’s conference.
Chair and vice-chairs: The chair and two vice-chairs shall be elected by the committee at the AGM.
Voting: Voting will be by show of hands. A ballot can be held on more sensitive issues, with the consent of the majority of the committee. In the event of a tied vote, the chair will have the casting vote.
Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting will be circulated at least 14 days prior to the meeting. These will be scrutinised for accuracy and, if accepted, signed as a true record.
APPENDIX 3
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
Meetings were held in March, September and November
|Nominating Body |Name |Possible |Actual |
|Eastern |Lesley Holme |3 |3 |
|Eastern |Louise McDermott |2 |2 |
|East Midlands |Rosie Bartram |1 |1 |
|East Midlands (sub.) |Nathalie Birkett |2 |2 |
|East Midlands |Penny Smith |3 |3 |
|Greater London |Amanda Bailey |3 |0 |
|Greater London |Josie Mangan |3 |1 |
|Northern |Janet Green |3 |3 |
|Northern |Pat Heron |3 |3 |
|Northern Ireland |Irene Graham |3 |3 |
|Northern Ireland |Roberta Magee |3 |3 |
|North West |Julie Dring |3 |3 |
|North West |Angela Greenhalgh |3 |3 |
|North West |Julie Ann Savage |3 |1 |
|Scotland |Norma Black |3 |1 |
|Scotland |Maggie Cook |3 |2 |
|Scotland |Elizabeth Rankin |3 |3 |
|South East |Shaaron Coward |3 |2 |
|South East |Julia O’Connell |3 |2 |
|South West |Becky Brookman |3 |2 |
|South West |Tracy Cunningham |1 |1 |
|South West |Carmela Walker Bishop |1 |1 |
|Cymru / Wales |Katie Hall |3 |1 |
|Cymru / Wales |Tracey Sutton-Postlethwaite |3 |3 |
|West Midlands |Jennifer Forbes-Reid |3 |3 |
|West Midlands |Paulette Whyte |3 |3 |
|Yorkshire & Humberside |Gail Andrews |3 |2 |
|Yorkshire & Humberside |Pam Sian |3 |3 |
|Yorkshire & Humberside |Karen Smales |3 |1 |
|NBMC |Manjula Kumari |3 |3 |
|NBMC |Tania McGee |3 |3 |
|NDMC |Lisa Dempster (jobshare) |1 |1 |
|NDMC |Maggie Griffin (jobshare) |2 |2 |
|NDMC |Sam Sharp |3 |2 |
|NLGBTC |Angelique Denys |1 |0 |
|NLGBTC |Natalie Roberts |3 |2 |
|Young Members Forum |Kendal Bromley-Bewes |3 |2 |
|NEC |Elizabeth Baptiste |1 |0 |
|NEC |Kris Black |2 |0 |
|NEC |Jane Doolan |2 |0 |
|NEC |Margaret McKee |3 |2 |
|NEC |Lynn Poulton |1 |0 |
|TUC |Lucia McKeever |3 |1 |
|TUC |Eleanor Smith |3 |1 |
APPENDIX 4
Glossary
D&O NEC's development and organisation committee
EHRC Equality and Human Rights Commission
FRMC Finance & resource management committee (UNISON)
LAOS Learning and organising services
(UNISON department responsible for member training)
LGBT Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
LLL Lifelong learning
MPU Membership participation unit
(UNISON department with equalities remit)
NBMC National Black members’ committee
NDC National delegate conference
NDMC National disabled members’ committee
NEC National executive council
NEC ELC National executive council equality liaison committee
NWC National women’s committee
NWO National women’s officer
NYMF National young members’ forum
PDCC NEC’s policy development and campaigns committee
RWC Regional women's committee
RWO Regional women’s officer
SOG Self organised group
TUC Trades Union Congress
Commonly used terms
|Self organisation |Groups facing discrimination meeting and organising to determine their collective agenda and feeding it |
| |into UNISON’s structure. |
| | |
|SOGs |The four self-organised groups: defined by UNISON national rules as women members, Black members, disabled |
| |members and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members. |
| | |
|Positive action |Action to combat the prejudice and discrimination experienced by members of the self-organised groups. |
| | |
|Self-definition |Right of people to define themselves, e.g. as disabled or lesbian. |
| | |
|Proportionality |The representation of women and men in fair proportion to the relevant number of female and male members of|
| |the electorate – UNISON has a rulebook commitment to proportionality. |
| | |
|Fair representation |The broad balance of representation of members of the electorate, taking into account such factors as age |
| |and low pay, the balance between full-time and part-time time workers, manual and non-manual workers, |
| |different occupations, skills, race, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity – UNISON has a |
| |rulebook commitment to fair representation. |
UNISON Organisation
| | |
|National delegate conference |Supreme decision-making body of UNISON – annual conference of branch delegates at which the|
| |self-organised groups have representation. |
| | |
|NEC |National Executive Council – elected body of lay members. |
| | |
|Lay member |A member who is not an employee of the union. |
| | |
|Lay structure |A body that does not consist of employees of the union. |
| | |
|Regions |UNISON is organised into 12 regions around the country, each with their own regional office|
| |and staff. |
| | |
|Service groups |UNISON organises members in the following services – energy, health care, higher education,|
| |local government, police staff, transport, community and water and environment. |
| | |
| |The service group has autonomy to decide the group’s general policy and negotiate on behalf|
| |of their members. Each service group has an annual conference of delegates which sets the |
| |group’s agenda for the following year. |
| | |
|Sector |A sub-group of a service group, e.g. the nursing and midwives sector of the healthcare |
| |service group. |
| | |
|Code of good branch practice |A set of guidelines, including a chapter on self-organisation, drawn up by the NEC which it|
| |considers desirable for branches to follow. |
| | |
|UNISON InFocus |Monthly magazine for stewards and activists |
| | |
|UNISON efocus |Weekly email to stewards and activists |
| | |
|U magazine |Quarterly magazine for all members |
| | |
|Labour link levy |A fund made up of contributions from opted-in members used to support the Labour Party. |
| | |
|GPF |General political fund: A fund made up of contributions from opted-in members used for non|
| |party-political campaigning. |
APPENDIX 5
|2017 NATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE |
|PROPORTIONALITY AND FAIR REPRESENTATION DATA |
|394 Respondents | |% |
| | | |
|% who had attended conference before | |58.38% |
| | | |
|% who described their gender as female | |90.61% |
| | | |
|Ethnic origin of delegates | Asian UK |0.51% |
| | Asian Other | 0.25% |
| | Bangladeshi | |
| | Indian |0.51% |
| | Pakistani |0.76% |
| | Black African |1.52% |
| | Black Caribbean |3.30% |
| | Black UK |2.79% |
| | Black Other | |
| | Black Mixed Heritage |1.02% |
| | Chinese | |
| | Irish |3.05% |
| | White UK |71.07% |
| | White Other |7.36% |
| | Other Mixed Heritage |1.52% |
| | | |
|% who identified as: |Disabled |19.54% |
| |Lesbian |5.58% |
| |Gay | |
| |Bisexual |6.85% |
| |Transgender |1.02% |
| | | |
|% who participate in self organised groups | Women members |5.58% |
| | Lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender members |55.58% |
| | Black members |8.63% |
| | Disabled members |9.14% |
| | | |
|Length of time as a UNISON member | 0 - 2 years |7.11% |
| | 3 - 5 years |12.18% |
| | 6 - 10 years |17.01% |
| | 11+ years |56.35% |
| | | |
|Sector | Public sector |78.17% |
| | Private sector |5.84% |
| | Voluntary sector |2.28% |
|Service Group | Community |3.30 % |
| | Local Government |40.61% |
| | Energy |2.03% |
| | Police and Justice |6.35% |
| | Health Care |28.93% |
| | Water, Environment and Transport |2.28% |
| | Higher Education |4.31% |
| | | |
|Occupational group | Managers |5.84% |
| | Professional |29.95% |
| | Administrators |18.02% |
| | Other non-manual |4.57% |
| | Technical |3.30% |
| | Personal & caring services |11.68% |
| | Clerical & secretarial |5.58% |
| | Other manual |4.57% |
| | Other occupation |4.57% |
| | | |
|Age group | 16 - 26 (8 members) |2.03% |
| | 27 - 39 |10.91% |
| | 40 - 49 |25.38% |
| | 50+ |53.55% |
| | | |
|Subscription band | A Up to 2,000 |0.51% |
| | B 2,001 - 5,000 |0.51% |
| | C 5,001 - 8,000 |2.28% |
| | D 8,001 - 11,000 |3.81% |
| | E 11,001 - 14,000 |4.82% |
| | F 14,001 - 17,000 |8.88% |
| | G 17,001 - 20,000 |13.71% |
| | H 20,001 - 25,000 |22.34% |
| | I 25,001 - 30,000 |14.97% |
| | J 30,001 - 35,000 |9.64% |
| | K over 35,000 |8.38% |
| | Member in Education/Apprenticeship | 0.25% |
| | Member on unpaid leave | |
| |Retired member |0.51% |
| | | |
|Working hours per week | 35 hours or more |67.77% |
| | 30 - 34 hours |9.64% |
| | 16 - 29 hours |13.45% |
| | Less than 16 hours |1.78% |
|National committee membership | National Executive Council |3.05% |
| | National Service Group Excecutive |5.84% |
| | National Self-organised Group Committee |6.60% |
| | National Labour Link Committee |1.27% |
| | National Young Members' Forum |0.76% |
| | National Retired Members' Committee |0.51% |
| | Other National Committee |4.06% |
| | | |
|Regional committee membership | Regional Council |26.65% |
| | Regional Committee |19.54% |
| | Regional Service Group Excecutive |9.39% |
| | Regional Self-organised Group Committee |16.50% |
| | Regional Young Members' Forum |1.02% |
| | Regional Labour Link Committee |6.35% |
| | Regional Retired Members' Committee |0.51% |
| | Other |2.54% |
| | | |
|Branch posts held | Chairperson |8.63% |
| | Treasurer |5.08% |
| | Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator |2.54% |
| | Health & Safety Officer |7.11% |
| | International Officer |2.54% |
| | Young Members' Officer |1.27% |
| | Steward |40.10% |
| | Secretary |12.44% |
| | Education Co-ordinator |4.06% |
| | Equality Co-ordinator |7.61% |
| | Communications Officer |2.79% |
| | Membership Officer |5.58% |
| | Welfare Officer |7.87% |
| | Other |14.47% |
| | | |
|Region |Eastern |7.61% |
| | Northern |8.88% |
| | Scotland |6.85% |
| | Cymru/Wales |6.60% |
| | East Midlands |8.38% |
| | North West |7.87% |
| | South East |8.12% |
| | West Midlands |7.11% |
| | Greater London |8.38% |
| | Northern Ireland |5.33% |
| | South West |9.14% |
| | Yorkshire & Humberside |6.85% |
APPENDIX 6
UNISON resources supporting women members
UNISON’s women members have successfully negotiated in the workplace on key issues such as domestic abuse, equal pay and maternity rights. Our self-organised group of UNISON women members at branch, regional and national level campaign for equality in the workplace and for improvements to women’s rights in the workplace and in the wider community.
Within the work of the national women’s committee, many useful resources have been developed to support the work of union reps, activists and branches.
.uk/women
This is the website section for women members and women’s self-organised groups. Useful resources can be found listed at the bottom of the webpage including:
• Model equality and diversity policy and guide
• Women’s mental health issues: not to be ignored at work
• Women’s health issues: a workplace issue
• Women’s health issues: raising awareness
• Pregnancy: your rights at work
• Fighting for a fair transition to the new State Pension Age: UNISON and Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI)
• Women in UNISON campaigning handbook 2017-18
Campaigning ideas with contact details of key organisations based on issues raised through motions at national women’s conference.
• Counting the cost: how council cuts shrink women’s lives (from 2014)
UNISON’s analysis of responses from councils across the UK and women surveyed about their experiences of cuts.
• Women deserve better: a better deal for women aged 50 and over in employment (from 2014)
UNISON’s survey to examine the emerging patterns and trends in discrimination being experienced by older women in the workplace.
.uk/ bargaining
In-depth guides and model agreements for effective negotiating and bargaining including:
• Branch guide to gender pay reporting
• Medical screening leave factsheet
• The menopause and work
• Tackling hate crime and hate incidents: a workplace issue
• Negotiating for working parents
• Women’s reproductive health issues
.uk/onlinecatalogue
The way for branches to make bulk orders of UNISON stock items including:
• Organising for equality: UNISON guidelines on self-organisation, stock number 1577
• A guide to equality in UNISON, stock number 2778
• Securing equality: a guide to using the Public Sector Equality Duty to fight local cuts, stock number 3814
• Getting the balance right: a toolkit for achieving proportionality in UNISON, stock number 3714
• Setting up a branch women’s group: a toolkit for action and change, stock number 3830
• Flexible working: making it work, stock number 0303
• Harassment at work – a UNISON guide, stock number 1359
• Domestic violence and abuse: a trade union issue, stock number 3477
• We won’t look the other way: domestic abuse poster, stock number 2539
• We won’t look the other way: domestic abuse leaflet, stock number 3558
• Menopause and work, stock number 3075
• Gender, safety and health, stock number 1982
• Women and Pensions: what can you do to get a decent income in retirement stock number 3723
Email: women@unison.co.uk
Facebook: unisonwomen
Twitter: @WomenInUNISON
Website: .uk/women
-----------------------
National Women’s Committee Annual Report 2017/18
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